Daily School Attendance Leads to a Better Life!

Rockford Public Schools focuses on college and career readiness for all of its students. It is among the largest school districts in Illinois and the second-largest employer in the Rockford region. RPS 205 strives to be the first choice for all families.

Mission Collaboratively engage all students in a world-class education.

Vision Be the first choice for families.

Motto Shaping Tomorrow Today

ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT 205 Assertion of Respect for Diversity and Equity

Rockford Public School District 205 is comprised of, and services a community that is multicultural and diverse in racial, ethnic and socio- economic backgrounds. We believe that such diversity enriches our educational activities and our everyday interactions. We celebrate diversity through acceptance of one another, and we endeavor to learn from one another in a climate of positive engagement and mutual respect. Believing that the future of America is dependent on the full participation of all of its citizens, we strive to develop the potential of, and accept leadership by, persons of diverse backgrounds. Without reservations, we are committed to ensuring that the educational process in District 205 is conducted in an atmosphere that:

• Honors and respects diversity; • Supports equity in educational opportunity and outcomes; and • Is free of discrimination and harassment.

Table of Contents Letter from Superintendent ...... 5 Board Members’ Information ...... 6 Letter from Student Services and Alternative Learning Department ...... 7 Accelerated Placement Program … ...... 7 Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities… ...... 7 Alternative Learning Opportunities… ...... 8 Attendance ...... 8 Basic Supplies ...... 10 Biometric Information… ...... 10 Bullying ...... 10 Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease ...... 11 Community Use of School Facilities ...... 11 Curriculum and Instruction Standards ...... 11 Data Privacy; Student Data Privacy; Notice to Parents about Educational Technology Vendors ...... 11 District Annual Report Card ...... 12 Dress Code ...... 12 Electronic Devices ...... 12 Electronic Network ...... 13 Emergency Closing/Inclement Weather ...... 13 English Learners ...... 13 Erin’s Law ...... 14 Extracurricular Drug and Alcohol Testing Program ...... 14 Extra-Curricular/Co-Curricular ...... 14 Fee Waivers ...... 14 Field Trips/Educational Tours ...... 14 Food Allergy Management Program ...... 14 Grade Placement ...... ….15 Graduation Requirements ...... 15 Hazardous Materials ...... 16 Healthy Students are Better Learners ...... 16 Health and Dental Examinations/ Immunizations ...... 18 Hearing and Vision ...... 18 High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students ...... 18 Homeless and Prevention ...... 19 Home and Hospital Instruction ...... 19 Illinois Eavesdropping Law ...... 19 Instruction ...... 19 Medications at School ...... 20 Medical Emergency Care ...... 20 Parent Concerns/Engagement ...... 20 Parent-Teacher Conferences ...... 20 Physical Education Medical Procedures ...... 21 Publications ...... 21 Questioning of Students by Police or Social Service Officials ...... 21 Records/Student Files ...... 22 Religious Holidays ...... 25 Reporting Pupil Progress ...... 25 Residence ...... 26 Response to Intervention ...... 26 Safety Program ...... 26 School Admissions/Transfers ...... 26 School Lunches...... 27 School Visitation Rights...... 27 School Wellness...... 27 School Year Calendar and Day………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………27 Search and Seizure...... 27 Section 504 Accommodation Plans...... 28 Sex Offender Registry...... 29 3

Special Education Programs and Services...... 29 Student Accidents/Insurance ...... 30 Student Address Changes...... 30 Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries...... 30 Student Code of Conduct...... 31 Student Harassment ...... 31 Student Support Services ...... 32 Student and Family Privacy Rights ...... 32 Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention ...... 32 Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualifications ...... 33 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited ...... 33 Telephone Procedures...... 33 Testing ...... 33 Title I Programs ...... 33 Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure ...... 34 Tobacco Prohibition Policy...... 34 Transportation...... 34 Uniform Grievance Procedure...... 35 Visitors’ Code of Conduct...... 35 Web Site Information...... 35 Appendix A Programming for Students At Risk of Failure ...... 36 Appendix B Attendance and Truancy ...... 36 Appendix C Attendance Truancy Framework Matrix ...... 38 Appendix D Bullying Report Form ...... 39 Appendix E Community Use of School Facilities ...... 41 Appendix F Curriculum Content ...... 42 Appendix G Student Records ...... 44 Appendix H Notice Regarding Family Life and Sex Education Classes ...... 46 Appendix I Education of Homeless Children ...... 47 Appendix J Uniform Grievance Procedure ...... 47 Appendix K Safety and Security ...... 49 Appendix L School Visitation Rights ...... 51 Appendix M School Wellness ...... 52 Appendix N Student and Family Privacy Rights ...... 54 Appendix O Harassment of Students Prohibited...... 56 Appendix P Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure...... 57 Appendix Q Transportation...... 59 Appendix R Acceptable Use of the District’s Electronic Networks...... 60 Signature Page ...... 62 School Academic Calendar ...... 63

Please review this handbook for information concerning our schools. It should be noted that the handbook is only a summary of the Board Policies governing the District; Board Policies are available on the District’s website and at the Administration Building located at 501 Seventh Street, Rockford IL 61104 . These Policies are subject to change by Board of Education during the school year.

Website Link: https://www.rps205.com.

Dear Parents:

This handbook outlines the policies, procedures and expectations for all children in Rockford Public Schools. We want children to behave, to be held accountable for their actions and to have no distractions as they pursue learning. We want to be partners with you as we all work together to make sure every child has an outstanding experience – one that results in a high school diploma indicating mastery of all learning material.

Each school may have additional procedures designed to improve student behavior and learning. These procedures will be given to you at registration and will serve as a supplement to this document.

We encourage and appreciate your active involvement in our schools and look forward to working with you. Together, we can do what it takes for all children to have a very successful 2021-2022 school year.

Dr. Ehren Jarrett Superintendent of Rockford Public Schools

Educational Philosophy and Objectives: • Average student performance in Rockford Public Schools will exceed state and national averages on standardized achievement tests. • The disparity in achievement among all identified ethnic/racial groups will be eliminated on such tests. • Each student will participate in setting and will achieve personally challenging educational goals based on the student’s interests, talents and abilities. • All students will meet or exceed district performance standards for knowledge and skill necessary to succeed at each appropriate level.

Members of the Board of Education

DISTRICT A Denise Pearson Term Expires 2023 (815) 489-7318

[email protected]

DISTRICT B Tim Rollins Term Expires 2023 (815)987-8910 (work) [email protected]

DISTRICT C Kamrin Muhammad Term Expires 2023

(815)513-8247 (cell) [email protected]

DISTRICT D Jude Makulec Term Expires 2023 (815) 633-6818 (home)

[email protected]

DISTRICT E David Seigel Term Expires 2023

(815) 608-3636 [email protected]

DISTRICT F Michael Connor Term Expires 2023 (815) 505-7809

[email protected]

DISTRICT G June Stanford Term Expires 2023 [email protected]

School Handbook 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

Daily school attendance leads to a better life!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Many studies show that the time you invest in your child’s education directly impacts their quality of life. This investment starts with daily on-time attendance.

This year we are challenging parents to set a goal of improving their child’s attendance for the entire year. After reflecting on the common barriers that often keeps children out of school, we developed a checklist of common issues that we hope will be helpful in meeting your goal for this year. Please plan ahead so that these barriers do not impact your child during the school year.

 Does your child have or need bus services? Need help? For assistance, please call: Transportation Department 2000 Christina St. Phone: (815)966-3706  Do you have back-up childcare arrangements for unexpected events or other emergencies? Make sure that your school-aged children are not responsible for watching younger children during the school day.  Do you have up-to-date immunizations and physical exam for pre-k, kindergarten, 6th and 9th grade students? The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile provides free medical care to uninsured or underinsured children ages 0-18. For more information about the Care Mobile, call (815) 971-5810.

Additional Locations: (Call to make an appointment)

Crusader Clinic – (815) 490-1600 Winnebago County Health Dept. – (815) 720-4000 Primary Care Provider or Walk-in Clinics

As always, the Student Services staff is available to help you with all attendance and truancy initiatives. If you have any questions or need any assistance, please call us at (815) 966-5251.

Sincerely, Student Services

Accelerated Placement Program

The District provides an Accelerated Placement Program that provides an educational setting with curriculum options usually reserved for students who are older or in higher grades. Options include but may not be limited to: (a) accelerating a student in a single subject; (b) other grade-level acceleration; and (c) early entrance to kindergarten or first grade. Participation in the Accelerated Placement Program is open to all students who demonstrate high ability and who may benefit from accelerated placement. It is not limited to students who have been identified as gifted and talented. Eligibilit y to participate in this program shall not be conditioned upon the protected classifications identified in School Board Policy 7.10, Equal Educational Opportunities, or any factor other than the student’s identification as an accelerated learner.

Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities shall be provided an opportunity to participate in all school -sponsored services, programs, or activities and will not be subject to illegal discrimination. When appropriate, the District may provide to persons with disabilities aids, benefits, or services that are separate or different from, but as effective as, those provided to others.

The District will provide auxiliary aids and services when necessary to afford individuals with disabilities equal opportunit y to participate in or enjoy the benefits of a service, program, or activity.

Each service, program, website, or activity operated in existing facilities shall be readily accessible to, and useable by, individuals with disabilities. New construction and alterations to faciliti es existing before January 26, 1992, will be accessible when viewed in their entirety. The Superintendent or designee is designated the Title II Coordinator and shall: 1. Oversee the District’s compliance efforts, recommend necessary modifications to the Scho ol Board, and maintain the District’s final Title II self-evaluation document, update it to the extent necessary, and keep it available for public inspection for at least three years after its completion date. 2. Institute plans to make information regarding Title II’s protection available to any interested party.

Individuals with disabilities should notify the Superintendent or Building Principal if they have a disability that will requ ire special assistance or services and, if so, what services are required. This notification should occur as far in advance as possible of the school-sponsored function, program, or meeting.

Individuals with disabilities may allege a violation of this policy or federal law by reporting it to the Superintendent or designated Title II Coordinator, or by filing a grievance under the Uniform Grievance Procedure.

Alternative Learning Opportunities

The Superintendent or designee may develop, maintain, and supervise a program for students at risk of academic failure or dropping out of school. Board Policy 6.110 Programs for Students at Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program is attached as Appendix A.

Attendance

School attendance is vital to students' achievement. Students who develop patterns of good attendance are more likely to be successful both academically and socially.

• When students attend school, they earn better grades, score better on standardized tests and are more likely to graduate from high school. • It is our responsibility to teach students the importance of attendance now, so they are prepared for the future. Employers say good attendance demonstrates responsibility and is a key factor in the hiring and promotion of employees. • Rockford Public School is working to improve its schools in ways that will make students feel more welcome, safe and enthusiastic about showing up every day. At the same time, we are developing incentives to improve student attendance.

***Please note: Students will receive a percentage of the full day of attendance credit contingent upon their arrival time after the school day has begun. Partial day attendance is recorded in 25%, 50% and 75% increments of instructional minutes.

Parents Influence Attendance-Be Involved • Please contact the school on days when your child will be absent within the first two hours of the start time. • Plan family vacations for non-school days only. • Schedule non-emergency medical and dental appointments after school hours. • Make sure your child's school has your accurate daytime contact information, including cell phone number and/or email address. • Parents must sign their child in/out in the office when they leave during the day.

Every student is expected to attend school on a daily basis, unless there is a valid justification for his/her absence. Please plan ahead so that your child does not have "parent permitted truancies." If you need support to get your child to school, contact your building principal for assistance.

Compulsory Attendance Persons having custody or control of a child subject to the provisions of compulsory attendance law should refer to the Rockford Public Schools Code of Conduct Handbook and Board Policy 7.70 (See Appendix B).

Attendance Policy Reporting of absences: 1. When a student is absent from school, the parent/guardian is required to telephone the school office prior to or within the first two hours of start time. The parent/guardian must call each day the student is absent unless previous arrangements have been made. If the parent/guardian has not called within the first two hours of the school day, the attendance secretary will attempt to call the parent/guardian to find out the reason why the student is absent. If no contact is made with the parent/guardian on the day the student is absent, the administration will classify the absence as unexcused.

2. The determination as to whether an absence is excused or unexcused will be made by school administration in compliance with Illinois law and District/Board Policy.

Excused Absences – Valid Cause (Compulsory Attendance see Appendix B) Students shall be excused from school when the absence is:  Due to his or her illness  For a medical or dental appointment  For a court appearance  For funeral attendance (1-3 days depending on funeral location)  Observation of a holiday or ceremony of his or her religion or attendance at religious retreats.  Extraordinary circumstances including medical necessity or family hardship

Students absent from school for the above excused reasons shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the absence that can reasonably be provided and, upon satisfactory completion in the allotted time frame, shall be given full credit.

The Five (5) Day Excused Absence Policy Students who accumulate more than five (5) days of absences per semester must provide proof of the nature of the excused absence, in the form of a note from the doctor or excuse from school nurse, for the absence to be considered excused. Failure to do so will result in an unexcused absence. Valid reasons for excused absences for the five day rule include illness of the student, injury, unavoidable accident or emergency and anticipated absence with administrative approval prior to the absence. Excused absences not counted in the five (5) day rule are: religious holidays, medical appointments with written proof from doctor; funeral for family members; court appearances with written proof from court; pre-approved college visits; extended serious/critical illness of student/family member; other absences as determined by administration (see valid cause). Students exceeding 10 days for any reason will be dropped (Administration Regulation 7.70R).

Truant Absences Truant absences are accumulated after a student exceeds 1% of absences (valid or non -valid) for the academic school year. Any absence for reasons other than those listed as EXCUSED ABSENCES are deemed unexcused. When a school does not receive parental explanation of a student absence, the absence will be considered unexcused. ▪ Letters will be sent to parents of students who accrue multiple unexcused absences. ▪ If a student is truant, parents will be contacted to determine the root cause and offer the appropriate support needed to improve future attendance. ▪ Students who are chronically truant may be referred to the Student Services Department, Truancy Intervention Center or the Winnebago County Court System for more intense intervention. Examples include but are not limited to: no transportation to school, missing the school bus, oversleeping, participation in non-school sponsored events, personal business, private vehicle breakdown/failure to start, and truancy.

Release for Appointments Parents/Guardians are encouraged to make appointments during times that do not conflict with school and instructional time. Students will only be released to non-parents/guardians if the parent/guardian has called the school prior to the student’s release and provided the name of the person to whom the student is to be released. This individual must provide the school with a photo ID. The parent/guardian should also provide the following information: • Name and grade of student • Time of appointment • Type of appointment • Time to be released from school • Approximate time of return to school.

On the day of the appointment, students should come to the office and receive a pass in order to be excused from class at the designated time. The parent/guardian (or parent approved care giver) must sign the student out through the office. When the student returns, they must sign back in with the office, and provide a written note from the doctor verifying the appointment. All appointments not verified by written proof from the doctor will be considered unexcused.

Illness at School If a student becomes ill while at school, they must come to the office to use the phone to contract parent/guardian. Students may not use any pay phones, classroom phones, cell phones, or other electronic communications equipment for the purposes of calling home when ill. If the student is sent home by a school employee as a result of the student’s illness or injury, then this shall be considered an excused absence.

Tardiness Tardiness is a Minor Infraction which will result in a Code of Conduct Intervention. Please refer to the Rockford Public School’s Code of Conduct for tardy corrective strategies, social interventions and consequences. For Elementary students: When any student is late to school, the parent/guardian must accompany the student to the attendance office to report the tardy. Excessive tardiness will result in a conference with administration or be reported to the truancy officer. Tardies accumulate annually and do not start over after the first semester. Attendance is taken each day, and tardiness is documented.

For secondary students: 1st TARDY WARNING 2nd TARDY WARNING 3rd TARDY WARNING, a subsequent tardy will result in administration action in compliance with the Student Code of Conduct. 4th Tardy Detention 5th Tardy, Saturday School or Detention II 6th Tardy ALE 7th Tardy, (See Tardy Matrix, Appendix C)

A student who arrives late to school for any reason will receive an unexcused tardy unless they can provide written proof that they had a legitimate appointment during the time that corresponds with that portion of the school day(s) they missed. See Appendix B and Appendix C.

Basic Supplies

School supply list can be accessed by contacting your child’s school or visiting the RPS website www.rps205.com (school) link.

Biometric Information

The District collects biometric information from its students only for identification and/or fraud prevention purposes. Biometric information includes any information collected through an identification process for individuals based on their unique behavioral or physiological characteristics, including fingerprint, hand geometry, voice, or facial recognition, or iris or retinal scans. The School Code requires written permission from the individual who has legal custody of the student, or from the student if he or she has reached the age of 18, before the District may collect biometric information from students.

When collecting biometric information, the School Code also requires the District to: 1. Store, transmit, and protect all biometric information from disclosure. 2. Prohibit the sale, lease, or other disclosure of biometric information to another person or entity unless: (a) prior written permission by you is granted, or (b) the disclosure is required by court order. 3. Discontinue the use of a student’s biometric information under either of the following conditions: (a) upon the student’s graduation or withdrawal from the school district; or (b) upon receipt in writing of a request for discontinuation by the individual having legal custody of the student or by the student if he or she has reached the age of 18. 4. Destroy all of a student’s biometric information within 30 days after the occurrence of either conditions 3(a) or 3(b) above.

Bullying

Bullying, intimidation, and harassment diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Preventing students from engaging in these disruptive behaviors is an important District goal.

Bullying is defined as follows: Bullying means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following: 1. Placing the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property. 2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or me ntal health. 3. Substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance.

4. Substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school. Bullying, intimidation, and/or harassment may take various forms, including without limitation: threats, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying.

See Board Policy 7.180 Preventing Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment. The form to report bullying is attached as Appendix D.

Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease

A student with or carrying a communicable and/or chronic infectious disease has all rights, privileges, and services provided by law and the District’s policies.

Community Use of School Facilities

School facilities are available to community organizations during non -school hours when such use does not: (1) interfere with any school function or the safety of students or employees, or (2) affect the property or liability of the School District. The use of school facilities for school purposes has precedence over all other uses. Persons on school premises must abide by the D istrict’s conduct rules at all times. The details of the District’s Facilities Rental Program are contained in Board Policy 8.20 attached as Appendix E.

Curriculum & Instruction Standards

The curriculum shall contain instruction on subjects required by State statute or regulation, including but not limited to those set forth in Board Policy 6.60 (See Appendix F).

Data Privacy; Notice to Parents about Educational Technology Vendors

The District may contract with different educational technology vendors for beneficial K -12 purposes such as providing personalized learning and innovative educational technologies, and increasing efficiency in school operations.

Under Illinois’ Student Online Personal Protection Act, or SOPPA (105 ILCS 85/), educational technology vendors and other entities that operate Internet websites, online services, online applications, or mobile applications that are designed , marketed, and primarily used for K-12 school purposes are referred to in SOPPA as operators. SOPPA is intended to ensure that student data collected by operators is protected, and it requires those vendors, as well as school districts and the Ill. State Board of Education, to take a number of acti ons to protect online student data. Depending upon the particular educational technology being used, the District may need to collect different types of student data, which is then shared with educational technology vendors through their online sites, serv ices, and/or applications. Under SOPPA, educational technology vendors are prohibited from selling or renting a student’s information or from engaging in targeted advertising using a student’s information. Such vendors may only disclose student data for K -12 school purposes and other limited purposes permitted under the law.

In general terms, the types of student data that may be collected and shared include personally identifiable information (PII) about students or information that can be linked to PII about students, such as: • Basic identifying information, including student or parent/guardian name and student or parent/guardian contact information, username/password, student ID number • Demographic information • Enrollment information • Assessment data, grades, and transcripts • Attendance and class schedule • Academic/extracurricular activities • Special indicators (e.g., disability information, English language learner, free/reduced meals or homeless/foster care status)

• Conduct/behavioral data • Health information • Food purchases • Transportation information • In-application performance data • Student-generated work • Online communications • Application metadata and application use statistics • Permanent and temporary school student record information

Operators may collect and use student data only for K-12 purposes, which are purposes that aid in the administration of school activities, such as: • Instruction in the classroom or at home (including remote learning) • Administrative activities • Collaboration between students, school personnel, and/or parents/guardians • Other activities that are for the use and benefit of the school district

District’s Annual Report Card

The District disseminates an annual report card that includes information on the District as a whole and each school served by the District, with aggregate and disaggregated information for each required subgroup of students including: (a) student achievement on academic assessments (designated by category), (b) graduation rates, district performance, teacher qualifications, and (c) other information required by law.

Dress Code

Most elementary and middle schools have board approved school uniform dress codes. Students attending those schools must wear the school uniform. At registration, you will be given uniform guidelines. For all schools, student’s dress and grooming shall not be disruptive to the educational process, shall not constitute a threat to health, safety, welfare, or property and shall be in accordance with public decency and civil statutes.

Grooming and neatness are the primary responsibility of students and their parents. Schools may prohibit students from wearing clothing or attire that, in the opinion of school authority, is contrary to acceptable health and safety standards or may disrupt the education process or learning atmosphere. Student dress will conform to the following: • Hats, head covering, hoodies, jackets, coats, and gloves are not to be worn in school. Students must remove their head coverings upon entering the building. Students will not wear wheeled shoes. Students’ clothing will cover undergarments and bare midriffs. • Garments or jewelry depicting alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs will not be worn at school or on a school bus, school grounds or school sponsored activities. • Garments or jewelry with messages or symbols that include obscenity, derogatory language, sexual innuendo, and gang affiliation will not be worn at school or on a school bus, school grounds or school sponsored activities.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices are not to be used in school; therefore the school and staff are not responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices such as cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, cameras, etc. Devices will be confiscated and parent/guardian will be required to pick the item(s) up from the school office.

ELECTRONIC SIGNALING DEVICES – Students may not use or possess electronic signaling (paging) devices or two-way radios on school property at any time, unless the Building Principal specifically grants permission.

Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices

The possession and use of cell phones and other electronic devices, other than paging devices and two-way radios, are subject to the following rules: 1. Unless being used for educational purposes or when needed during an emergency, they must be kept out of sight and in an inconspicuous location, such as a backpack, purse or locker. 2. They may not be used in any manner that will cause disruption to the educational environment or will otherwise violate the Student Code of Conduct. They may not be used for creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing indecent visual depictions or non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images as defined in State law, i.e., sexting. Possession is prohibited regardless of whether the depiction violates State law. Any cellular phone or electronic device may be searched upon reasonable suspicion of sexting or other violations of policy. All sexting violations will require school administrators to follow student discipline policies in addition to contacting the police and reporting suspected child abuse or neglect when appropriate. Electronic devices may be used during the school day if: 1. Use of the device is provided in the student’s IEP; 2. Permission is received from the student’s teacher or building administrator.

Electronic Networks

Electronic networks, including the Internet, are a part of the District’s instructional program and serve to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. Board Policy 6.235 governs access to electronic networks. Regulation – Instruction: including but not limited to those set forth in Board Policy 6.235 (See Appendix R).

Emergency Closing/Inclement Weather

We are asking that you please listen to your radios (WROK 1440 AM, WQFL 100.9 FM, WKMQ 95.3 FM, WNIU 89.5 FM, WLBK/WDEK 1360 AM, WNTA 1330 AM), LATREMENDA (Spanish Station-Chicago), the local television stations (WREX TV 13, WTVO TV 17, WIFR TV 23, WQRF TV 39), if you believe inclement weather may cause the schools to be closed. This decision is made and shared with the media by 6:30 a.m. for immediate dissemination to the community. Also, please check the district’s website for this information, at www.rps205.com, emergency notification system.

English Learners

The District shall inform parent(s)/guardian(s) of an English learner identified for participation, or participating in, such a program of: a. The reasons for their child being identified as an English learner; b. Their child’s level of English proficiency, how such level was assessed, and the status of the child’s academic achievement; c. The instructional methods used in their child’s program and the instructional methods used in other available programs; d. How their child’s program will meet their child’s educati onal strengths and needs e. How the program will help their child to learn English and meet age -appropriate academic achievement standards for grade promotion and graduation; f. Exit requirements for the program, including the expected rate of transition from s uch program into classrooms not tailored for English learners and the expected rate of high school graduation; g. In the case of a child with a disability, how the program meets the objects of their child’s individualized education program; and h. Information regarding parental rights that includes written guidance: i. Detailing parents’ right to immediately remove their child from the program upon their request; ii. Detailing parents’ options to decline enrollment in the program or to choose another program or instructional method, if available; and iii. Assisting parents in selecting among various programs and instruction methods, if more than one program/method is offered. Parents shall be provided this information no later than 30 days after the beginning of the school year or, for students identified as English learners during the school year, within the first two weeks of the child’s placement in a language instruction educational program. The District shall inform parent(s)/guardian(s) of English learners how they can be involved in their children’s education, and be active participants in assisting their children to attain English proficiency, achieve at high levels within a well - rounded education, and meet challenging State academic standards expected of all students.

Erin’s Law

In all schools, health education must be stressed, including age -appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention education in all grades. The Superintendent shall implement a comprehensive health education program in accordance with State law.

Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities

Student body desires concerning co-curricular activities are important. Selection of members or participants is at the discretion of the sponsors or coaches, provided that the selection criteria conform to the districts’ policies. Students must satisfy all academic standards and must comply with the activity’s rules and the student conduct code. Building principals are responsible for the scheduling and announcing of student extracurricular and co-curricular activities. Non-school sponsored student groups are governed by Board Policy 7.330 Student Use of Buildings- Equal Access, the district’s policy on student use of school buildings.

Co-curricular Eligibility Co-curricular activities include all athletic and non-academic activities sponsored by the board of education in elementary, middle schools and high schools. Student participation in these activities is encouraged provided students first meet certain academic requirements as set forth in Board Policy 7.300.In addition, students must meet the criteria set forth in Board Policy 7.240 Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities.

Extracurricular Drug and Alcohol Testing Program

The District retains the option of administering an extracurricular drug and alcohol testing program in order to foster the health, safety, and welfare of its students. Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege and participants need to be exemplars. The program promotes healthy and drug-free participation. Details of this program are described in Board Policy 7.240.

Health Education In all schools, health education will be stressed, including: (a) proper nutrition, (b) physical fitness, (c) components necessary to develop a sound mind in a healthy body, (d) dangers and avoidance of abduction, and (e) age -appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention educa tion in all grades. The Superintendent shall implement a comprehensive health education program in accordance with State law. See Notice regarding family life and sex education classes at Appendix H. No student shall be required to take or participate in a ny class or course on AIDS, family life instruction, sex abuse, or organ/tissue transplantation, if his or her parent/guardian submits a written objection to the Building Principal. Parents/guardians of students in grades kindergarten through 8 shall be gi ven at least 5 days written notice before instruction on avoiding sex abuse begins. Refusal to take or participate in any such course or program shall not be reason for disciplinary action or academic penalty. Parents/guardians shall be provided the oppor tunity to preview all print and non-print materials used for instructional purposes.

Fee Waiver

The Board has approved fees for driver’s education and high school student parking passes. The District will waive school fees for parent(s)/guardian(s) unable to afford them in accordance with Board Policy 4.140 Waiver of Student Fees. The fee waiver application may be found on the RPS website, or provided from the school upon request.

Questions regarding the fee waiver request process should be addressed to the building principal’s office.

Field Trips/Educational Tours

Student trips are permitted which enhance or supplement educational programs or which fulfill obligations to the interscholastic activity program. No student trip shall significantly interfere with the educational routine of students who must remain in school. Student trips are governed by Board Policy 6.240.

Food Allergy Management Program

School attendance may increase a student’s risk of exposure to allergens that could trigger a food allergic reaction. While it is not possible for the District to completely eliminate the risks of exposure to allergens when a student is at school, a 14

Food Allergy Management Program using a cooperative effort among students’ families, staff members, and students helps the District reduce these risks and provide accommodations and proper treatment for allergic reactions.

Grade Placement

Students, who are new to the Rockford Public Schools, either by transfer from non-public schools or from schools outside the District, will initially be placed at the grade level they would have reached elsewhere. Final grade placement and exceptions regarding placement are made by the school principal. Exceptions will be made only after notification and an explanation is given to the parents of the student. Grading and Promotion The staff shall establish a system of grading and reporting academic achievement to students and their parents and guardians. The system shall also determine when promotion and graduation requirements are met. The decision to promote a student to the next grade level shall be based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, and performance on the standardized tests required by the Illinois State Board of Education and/or other assessments. A student shall not be promoted based upon age or any other social reason not related to academic performance.

The administration offers remedial assistance for students who do not demonstrate proficiency. The District may require alternative/transitional programs to support students identified for retention. These additional learning opportunities may include extended time to achieve proficiency at the defined grade standards. Once proficiency is met, students can then be promoted to the next grade level. Final determination of student grade assignment will be the responsibility of the Building Principal.

Every teacher shall maintain an evaluation record for each student in the teacher's classroom. The grade assigned by the teacher cannot be changed by a District administrator without notifying the teacher. Reasons for changing a student's final grade include: • a miscalculation of test scores; • a technical error in assigning a particular grade or score; • the teacher agrees to allow the student to do extra work that may impact the grade; • an inappropriate grading system used to determine the grade; or • an inappropriate grade based on an appropriate grading system. Should a grade change be made, the administrator making the change must sign the changed record.

Graduation Requirements

The School Board determines high school graduation requirements that will provide each student ample opportunity to achieve the purpose for which the School District exists and that meet the minimum graduation requirements contained in state law. Unless otherwise exempted, each student must successfully accomplish the following courses in order to graduate from high school: 1. Complete all courses as provided in The School Code, 105 ILCS 5/27-22, according to the year in which a student entered the 9th grade. 2. Complete all minimum requirements for graduation as specified by Illinois State Board of Education Rule, 23 Ill. Admin. Code §1.440. 3. Receive a passing grade on examination(s) covering the subjects of patriotism and principles of representative government, proper use of the flag, methods of voting, and the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Take required assessments, unless the student is exempt according to 105 ILCS 5/2-3.64. Complete all District course requirements as set forth in Board Policy 6.60 attached as Appendix F

Classification by Grade Level Calculated at the beginning of each school year.

1st year in 9th grade Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior 2012-2nd 2013 and later 30+ 0-9 10-19 20-29 2011 - 2nd 0-11 12-23 24-33 34+

Service Member Diploma The District will award a diploma to a service member who was killed in action while performing active military duty with the U.S. Armed Forces or an honorably discharged.

Proficiency Credits The Superintendent or designee is authorized to establish and approve a program for granting credit for proficiency with the goal of allowing a student who would not benefit from a course because the student is proficient in the subject area to receive credit without having to take the course.

A student who demonstrates competency under this program will receive course credit for the applicable course and be excused from any requirement to take the course as a graduation prerequisite. No letter grade will be given for purposes of the student’s cumulative grade point average. The Superintendent or designee shall notify students of the availability of and requirements for receiving proficiency credit.

Excusal from Physical Education A student in grades 9-12, may submit a written request to the Building Principal to be excused from physical education courses for the reasons stated below. The Superintendent or designee shall maintain records showing that the criteria set forth in this policy were applied to the s tudent’s individual circumstances, as appropriate. 1. Ongoing participation in a marching band program for credit; 2. Enrollment in Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) program sponsored by the District; 3. Ongoing participation in an interscholastic or extracurricular athletic program (student must be in the 7th through 12th grade); 4. Enrollment in academic classes that are required for admission to an institution of higher learning (student must be in the 11th or 12th grade); or 5. Enrollment in academic classes that are required for graduation from high school, provided that failure to take such classes will result in the student being unable to graduate (student must be in the 11th or 12th grade). A student who is eligible for special education may be excused from physical education courses pursuant to Board Policy 7.260 Exemption from Physical Activity. Student Testing and Assessment Program The District Student Assessment Program provides information for determining individual student achievement and guidance needs, curriculum and instruction effectiveness, as well as school performance measured against District student learning objectives and statewide norms.

The Superintendent or designee shall manage the student assessment program that, at a minimum: 1. Administers to students all standardized assessments required by the Illinois State Board of Education and/or any other appropriate assessment methods and instruments, including norm and criterion-referenced achievement tests, aptitude tests, proficiency tests, and teacher developed tests. 2. Informs students of the timelines and procedures applicable to their participation in every State assessment. 3. Provides each student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) with the results or scores of each State assessment and an evaluation of the student’s progress. See policy 6.280, Grading and Promotion. 4. Utilizes professional testing practices.

Overall student assessment data on tests required by State law will be aggregated by the District and reported, along with other information, on the District’s annual report card. Board Policy 7.340, Student Records (Appendix G), and its implementing regulations govern record keeping and access issues.

Hazardous Materials

The Superintendent shall take all reasonable measures to protect: (1) the safety of District personnel, students, and visitors on District premises from risks associated with hazardous materials, and (2) the environmental quality of the District’s buildings and grounds. Before pesticides are used on District premises, the Superintendent or designee shall notify employees and parents/guardians of students as required by the Structural Pest Control Act, 225 ILCS 235/, and the Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act, 415 ILCS 65/.

If you desire additional info regarding pesticide, use or the District’s asbestos management plan, please contact our office or Guy Carynski, Environmental Health Coordinator, at 815-966-3010 or [email protected].

Healthy Students Are Better Learners

Health Services staff encourages the following good hygiene practices to allow for optimum learning opportunities: Thorough & frequent hand washing Eating a nutritious breakfast 8-10 hours of sleep each night Exercise for 30 minutes, at least 3X/week If, however, your child is ill, they should not be sent to school. Your child should remain at home for at least 24 hours after their symptoms have resolved. Please consider contacting your doctor for advice if your child exhibits any of the following conditions: Severe pain that limits activity Temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher Contagious illness or condition Vomiting or diarrhea Constant cough Skin rash

Head Lice - Head lice are tiny insects that gather mostly behind the ears, back of the neck and only live on the human head. The presence of lice can occur in all levels of income, age, sex, or race. Lice cannot fly or jump, they are passed along following prolonged, direct head-to-head contact. Head lice do not cause illness nor do they transmit communicable diseases.

Researchers advise treating only the person affected with live lice, using a medicated shampoo, closely following the package directions. Children under the age of 2 years or pregnant women should consult with their doctors for treatment recommendations. Treatment is followed by thorough combing of the affected person’s hair daily for 7 -10 days.

Mass Screenings, notifications, and school exclusion have been proven to be ineffective in controlling this nuisance and in avoiding re-infestation. The health services staff will focus on parent and staff education, as is recommended by current research.

Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease A student with or carrying a communicable and/or chronic infectious disease has all rights, privileges, and services provided by law and the District’s policies. The Superintendent will develop procedures to safeguard these rights while managing health and safety concerns. for communicable and chronic infectious diseases for the board’s consideration.

Benefits of Physical Activity and Outdoor Recess Recess and physical activity holds many physical, social and even academic benefits for children. Yet a recent parent survey concluded that less than 25% of children in grades 4 through 12 participate in 20 minutes of vigorous activity or 30 minutes of any physical activity per day. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports the value of physical activity. The American Academy of Pediatrics writes: not only will regular physical activity help your child lose weight and maintain that weight loss but has these additional benefits: • Stronger bones and joints • Greater muscle strength • A decrease in body fat • Improved flexibility • A healthier cardiovascular system (thus reducing his risk of developing heart disease and high blood pressure) • A reduced likelihood of developing diabetes • More energy • A greater ability to handle stress and resolve conflict • Improvements in self-confidence and self-esteem • Greater social acceptance by physically active peers • Opportunities to make new friends • Better concentration at school

All students are expected to participate in daily outdoor recess. If there are restrictions due to health that are identified by a medical provider, these must be provided to the nurse in writing. This documentation should include: definition of limitation and recommended duration of excuse. Any restriction must be updated each school year. During inclement weather, principals will follow District guidelines to determine whether students will remain indoors for recess or be sent outside to participate in activity. Such decisions will be based on principal discretion. Every building should follow their guidelines and procedures in cases of situational circumstances (immediate crisis due to extreme weather patterns).

School-Based Health Center

The Board of Education of Rockford Public School District No. 205 (District 205) has partnered with Crusader Community Health (Service Organization) to provide medical, dental, optical and mental health services to District 205 students. Crusader Community Health – Auburn Campus, a School-Based Health Center, consists of a seamless partnership of trusted local agencies dedicated to the health and well -being of your child. The partnership includes a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, dentist, dental hygienist, optometrist, behavioral health provider, and their assistants.

The goal of the health center is to improve the physical and emotional health of students and teach them life -long positive health behaviors. The health center will be open Monday through Friday, weather permitting, except for New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

District No. 205 will transport eligible students to and from District No. 205 schools and the school based health center. In order for your child to obtain services at th e school-based health center a signed consent must be on file. Please note, consents are an OPT OUT format. If there is a service listed on the consent that you do not want your child to have you must draw a line through and initial next to that service. This consent if provided to RPS 205 by Crusader Community Health. Any questions regarding OPT OUT should be directed towards Crusader Community Health.

Health & Dental Examinations / Immunizations

Rockford School District requires that all children show proof of having had a health examination and required immunizations PRIOR to the first day of school.

HEALTH EXAMINATIONS A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall present proof that the student received a health examination, with proof of immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases, as required by the Illinois Department pf Public Health within one year prior to entering: 1) A pre-school program 2) Kindergarten 3) Sixth Grade 4) Ninth Grade 5) Any student new to the school district must meet requirement within 30 days of enrollment

DENTAL EXAMINATIONS All Illinois children in Kindergarten, 2nd, 6th and 9th grades are required to have an oral health exam by a licensed dentist prior to May 15th of the school year. The examination must have taken place within 18 months prior to May 15th of the school year.

The health, vision and dental examinations, immunizations, and lead screening requirements may be obtained at the local health department, clinic, or doctor’s office of choice. See also Board Policy 7.100.

Hearing & Vision Screening

Hearing screening services shall be provided annually for all children attending preschool, three years of age or older; Kindergarten, grades one through three; are in any special education class; have been referred by a teacher, parent; or are transfer students. In lieu of the screening services required, a completed and signed report form, indicating that the child has had an ear examination by a physician and an audiological evaluation completed by an audiologist within the previous 12 months, is acceptable. If a hearing examination report or audiological evaluation is not on file at the school, your child, in the mandated age, grade, or group will be screened. “The parent or legal guardian of a student may object to hearing screening tests for their children on religious grounds. (23 Ill.Admin.Code 675.110)

Vision screening services shall be provided annually during the school year, as mandated for the following children: pre-school, Kindergarten, 2nd to 8th grades and in all special education classes; those students referred by teachers, parents; and transfer students. If a vision examination report is not on file at the school, your child, in the mandated age, grade, or group will be screened. “Vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor. Your child is not required to undergo this vision screening if an optometrist or ophthalmologist has completed and signed a report form indicating that an examination has been administered within the previous 12 months.” (105 ILCS 27-8.1, Section 685.110) The parent or legal guardian of a student may object to vision screening tests for their child on religious grounds.

High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students

A student may receive high school credit for successfully completing any of the listed courses o r experiences set forth in Board Policy 6.310.

A student in grades 9-12, unless otherwise stated, may submit a written request to the Building Principal to be excused from physical education courses for the reasons stated below. The Superintendent or desi gnee shall maintain records showing that the criteria set forth in this policy were applied to the student’s individual circumstances, as appropriate.

1. Ongoing participation in a marching band program for credit; 2. Enrollment in Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) program sponsored by the District; 3. Ongoing participation in an interscholastic or extracurricular athletic program (student must be in the 7th through 12th grade); 4. Enrollment in academic classes that are required for admission to an institution of higher learning (student must be in the 11th or 12th grade); or 5. Enrollment in academic classes that are required for graduation from high school, provided that failure to take such classes will result in the student being unable to graduate (student must be in the 11th or 12th grade).

A student who is eligible for special education may be excused from physical education courses pursuant to Board Policy 7.260 Exemption from Physical Education.

Homeless and Prevention

Each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, as provided to other children and youths, including a public pre-school education. A homeless child is defined as provided in the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and State law. A homeless child may attend the District school that the child attended when permanently housed or in which the child was last enrolled. A homeless child living in any District school’s attendance area may attend that school.

The Families In Transition Department (FIT) serves students whether they have been homeless for a short period of time or have been without housing for a long period. All FIT students receive confidential services. The FIT department protects the rights of homeless students and helps to remove all of the barriers that would prevent a student from immediately enrolling in, attending, and fully participating in school. For more information, contact the Families In Transition Department at 815-966-3163.

Board Policy 6.140 governs the education of homeless children and is attached as Appendix I.

Home and Hospital Instruction

A student who is absent from school, or whose physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse anticipates that the student will be absent from school, because of a medical condition may be eligible for instruction in the student’s home or hospital. Eligibility shall be determined by State law and the Illinois State Board of Education rule governing (1) the continuum of placement options for students who have been identified for special education services or (2) the home/hospital instruction provisions for students who have not been identified for special education services. Appropriate educational services from qualified staff will begin no later than five school days after receiving a physician’s written statement. Instructional or related services for a student receiving special education services will be determined by the student’s individualized education program.

A student who is unable to attend school because of pregnancy will be provided home instruction, correspondence courses, or other courses of instruction (1) before the birth of the child when the student’s physician, physician assistant, or advance practice nurse indicates, in writing, that she is medically unable to attend regular classroom instruction, and (2) for up to 3 months after the child’s birth or a miscarriage.

Periodic conferences will be held between appropriate school personnel, parent(s)/guardian(s), and hospital staff to coordinate course work and facilitate a student’s return to school.

Illinois Eavesdropping Law

Teachers may choose to use tape recorders as an instructional tool or as a means for making accommodations for students with special needs. Parents who have concerns or questions about this practice should contact the school administrator.

Electronic visual and audio recordings may be used in schools and on school buses to monitor conduct and to promote and maintain a safe environment for students and employees. See board Policy 7.220. Such recordings are exempt from the Illinois Eavesdropping Act.

Instruction

Materials The educational process is enhanced by a variety of instructional materials. Within the district resources, an effort will be made to equip classrooms and learning centers with an evenly proportioned, wide assortment of teaching tools, textbooks, workbooks, audio-visual materials, and equipment selected to meet the individual needs of students. The purpose of all instructional materials in the school is to assist in providing quality learning experiences for students.

Medications at School

Students should not use or take medication during school hours or during school -related activities unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take a medication during school hours or school -related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child and otherwise follow the District’s pr ocedures on dispensing medication. No School District employee shall administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self -administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed School Medication Authorization Fo rm (SMA Form) is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. No student shall possess or consume any prescription or non - prescription medication on school grounds or at a school -related function other than as provided for in this policy and its implementing administrative regulations. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication . See Board Policy 7.270 Administering Medicines to Students for more information.

Medical Emergency Care

All Rockford Public Schools are equipped with Automatic Defibrillator Devices. State law requires the Illinois High School Association to post a hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators training video on its website. The law also requires the District to notify staff members and parents/guardians about the video. You are encouraged to view the video, which will take less than 15 minutes of your time, at: www.ihsa.org/Resources/SportsMedicine/CPRTraining.aspx

Parent Concerns/ Engagement

Concerns regarding your child’s education should be discussed with the classroom teacher. Contact the school principal if further discussion is needed.

The District provides opportunities for parent/guardian and family engagement at the District level as follows: 1. The District involves parents/guardians and family members in the joint development of the District’s plan to help low-achieving children meet challenging achievement and academic standards (20 U.S.C. §6312), and the development of comprehensive and targeted suppo rt and improvement plans (20 U.S.C. §§6311(d)(1), (2)) 2. The District provides the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist and build the capacity of all participating schools in planning and implementing effective parent/gu ardian and family involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school . 3. The District coordinates and integrates parent/guardian and family engagement strategies under this Compact, to the extent feasible and appropriate, with engagement strategies under other relevant federal, State and local programs. 4. The District conducts, with the meaningful involvement of parents/guardians and family members, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parent/guardian and family engagement policy in improving the academic quality of the schools served under Title I, including identifying: (a) barriers to greater participation by parents/guardians in activities authorized by 20 U.S.C. §6318 (with particular attention to parents/guardians who are economically disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English profici ency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background); (b) the needs of parents/guardians and family members to assist with the learning of their children, including engaging with school personnel and teachers; and (c) strategies to support successful school and family interactions. The District then uses the findings of such evaluation to design evidence-based strategies for more effective parent/guardian involvement, and to revise, if necessary, its District - level parents/guardians and family engagement policies. The District does these activities .

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Conferences may be held any time during the school year upon the request of a parent or teacher. District parent/teacher conferences are held in the Fall and Spring of each school year. Parent attendance is expected at the Fall and Spring conference sessions. Some schools may use alternative dates for conferences. Please check the schedule inside the back cover for conference dates or visit www.rps.205.com

Physical Education Medical Procedures

In order to be excused from participation in physical education, a student must present an appropriate excuse from his or her parent/guardian or from a person licensed under the Medical Practices Act. The excuse may be based on medical or religious prohibitions. An excuse because of medical reasons must include a signed statement from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act that corroborates the medical reason for the request. An excuse based on religious reasons must include a signed statement from a member of the clergy that corroborates the religious reason for the request.

If a student is excused for medical reasons, the following guidelines will apply: • 1-10 medically excused days – Student will be expected to make those days up • 11-19 medically excused days – Student will be expected to make up 10 days of physical activity. For the remaining days, the student will be provided C.O.P.E. (Cognitive Only Physical Education) or PLATO work that is aligned with State standards. • 20+ medically excused days – Student and parent will work with school representatives (teacher, counselor, and Assistant Principal) to best meet the needs of the student. These options may include, but are not limited to: • Student may medically withdraw from the class and NOT receive credit • Student may stay in the class and make up the missed classes until the desired grade is achieved • Student may switch to a different class offered during that hour • Student may stay in the class and have their grade frozen

Publications

School-sponsored publications and productions are part of the curriculum and are not a public forum for general student use. School authorities may edit or delete material which is inconsistent with the district’s educational mission. All student media shall comply with the ethics and rules of responsible journalism. Text that is libelous, obscene, invades the privacy of others, conflicts with the basic educational mission of the school, is socially inappropriate, is inappropriate due to the maturity of the students, or is materially disruptive to the educational process will not be tolerated. The author’s name will accompany personal opinions and editorial statements. An opportunity for the expression of differing opinions from those published/produced will be provided within the same media.

Non-School-Sponsored Publications and Web Sites Accessed or Distributed at School Students are prohibited from accessing and/or distributing at school any written or electronic material, including material from the Internet that: 1. Will cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities. 2. Violates the rights of others, including but not limited to material that is libelous, invades the privacy of others, or infringes on a copyright; 3. Is socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to maturity level of the students, including but not limited to material that is obscene, pornographic, or pervasively lewd and vulgar, or contains indecent and vulgar language; 4. Is primarily intended for the immediate solicitation of funds; or 5. Is distributed in kindergarten through eighth grade and is primarily prepared by non-students unless it is being used for school purposes. Nothing herein shall be interpreted to prevent the inclusion of material from outside sources or the citation to such outside source so long as the material to be distributed is primarily prepared by students.

Distribution of non-school-sponsored written material shall occur at a time and place and in a manner that will not cause disruption, be coercive, or result in the perception that the distribution or the material is endorsed by the school district. Distribution “at school” includes distribution on school property or at school-related activities. A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for: (1) accessing or distributing forbidden material; or (2) for writing, creating, or publishing such material intending for it to be accessed or distributed at school.

Student-Created, Distributed, Written or Electronic Material Including Blogs A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for creating and/or distributing written or electronic material, including internet material and blogs that causes substantial disruption to school operations or interferes with the rights of other students or staff members. The building principal shall develop administrative procedures to implement this policy.

Questioning of Students by Police or Social Service Officials

No student will be questioned by police or social service officials on school property during school hours on matters unrelated to the school without notification to a parent or guardian, unless the investigation involves the safety or well-being of the child. However, police personnel may be used in a counseling/discipline role in the presence of the building principal concerning school-related situations. As indicated by RPS205 student code

21 of conduct, the school principal has the right to summon police or other law enforcement officials to deal with a student regarding serious school- related misconduct. Every attempt will be made to notify a parent or guardian if a child is to be questioned. The child will always be questioned in the presence of a school official. If an abuse or neglect report has been filed on a student, the following guidelines will apply to investigations on school property by the Department of Children and Family Services. 1. The DCFS worker will contact the principal stating the need for an interview and arrange an appropriate time for that interview. 2. The principal will arrange for a private location for the interview to take place. 3. The principal will arrange for an appropriate school representative to witness the interview. This could be the principal, the school nurse, social worker, home school counselor, teacher or psychologist. 4. Upon arrival in the building, the DCFS worker will provide the principal with proper identification and attempt to notify the parent(s) or guardian of the interview. If the parents(s) or guardian cannot be located to be notified, DCFS will assume responsibility for conducting the interview. 5. If protective custody is deemed necessary, DCFS will provide the school with written notification that the child is being removed from the school's custody. 6. The DCFS worker, in the presence of the principal, will attempt to contact the parent(s) or guardian and inform them of their action. If parent(s) or guardian cannot be reached and later call the school for information, they will be able to obtain information regarding their child by calling the DCFS office at 987-7650.

Equal Educational Opportunities Board of Education policies prohibit racial discrimination against students, parents, and employees. A copy of this policy may be obtained in any school office, or the Attorney's office. Complaints of discrimination may be filed using the Uniform Grievance Procedure (Appendix J) for assistance.

Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to race, color, nation al origin, ancestry, sex, ethnicity, language barrier, religious beliefs, physical and mental handicap or disability, status as homeless, or economic and social conditions, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy. Further, the District will not knowingly enter into agreements with any entity or any individual that discriminates against students on the basis of sex or any other protected status, except that the District remains viewpoint neutral when granting access to school facilities under Board policy 8:20, Community Use of School Facilities. Any student may file a discrimination grievance by using the Uniform Grievance Procedure.

Records/Student Files

The Rockford Board of Education has established a policy insuring the privacy of student educational records, as required by federal and State laws. Please refer to Appendix G of this handbook for further details.

This notice contains a description of your and your child’s rights concerning school student records. A school student record is any writing or other recorded information concerning a student and by which a student may be individually identified that is maintained by a school or at its direction or by a school employee, regardless of how or where the information is stored, except for certain records kept in a staff member’s sole possession; records maintained by law enforcement officers working in the school; video and other elec tronic recordings that are created in part for law enforcement, security, or safety reasons or purposes; and electronic recordings made on school buses. The District maintains two types of school records for each student: permanent record and temporary record. The permanent record includes: 1. Basic identifying information, including the student’s name and address, birth date and place, gender, and the names and addresses of the student’s parents/guardians. 2. Evidence required under the Missing Children Records Act. 325 ILCS 50/5(b)(1). 3. Academic transcripts, including: grades graduation date, and grade level achieved; the unique student identifier assigned and used by the Ill. State Board of Education Student Information System (SIS); as applicable, designation of an Advanced Placement computer science course as a mathematics -based, quantitative course for purposes of meeting State graduation requirements set forth in 105 ILCS 5/27 -22; as applicable, designation of the student’s achievement of the State Seal of Biliteracy, awarded in accordance with 105 ILCS 5/2 -3.159; as applicable, designation of the student’s achievement of the State Commendation Toward Biliteracy; and as applicable, designation of the student’s achievement of the Global Scholar Certific ation, awarded in accordance with 105 ILCS 5/2-3.169. 4. Attendance record. 5. Health record defined by the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE) as “medical documentation necessary for enrollment and proof of dental examinations, as may be required under Section 27-8.1 of the School Code.” 6. Record of release of permanent record information that includes each of the following: a. The nature and substance of the information released; 22

b. The name and signature of the official records custodian releasing such information; c. The name and capacity of the requesting person and the purpose for the request; d. The date of release; and e. A copy of any consent to a release. 7. Scores received on all State assessment tests administered at the high school level (that is, grades 9 through 12). 105 ILCS 5/2-3.64a-5. If not maintained in the temporary record, the permanent record may include: 1. Honors and awards received. 2. Information concerning participation in school-sponsored activities or athletics, or offices held in school -sponsored organizations. All information not required to be kept in the student permanent record is kept in the student temporary record and must include: 1. Record of release of temporary record information that includes the same information as listed above for the record of release of permanent records. 2. Scores received on the State assessment tests administered in the elementary grade levels (that is, kindergarten through grade 8). 3. Completed home language survey. 4. Information regarding serious disciplinary infractions (that is , those involving drugs, weapons, or bodily harm to another) that resulted in expulsion, suspension, or the imposition of punishment or sanction. 5. Any final finding report received from a Child Protective Service Unit provided to the school under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act; no report other than what is required under Section 8.6 of that Act (325 ILCS 5/8.6) shall be placed in the student record. 6. Health-related information, defined by the ISBE as “current documentation of a student's health information, not otherwise governed by the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act or other privacy laws, which includes identifying information, health history, results of mandated testing and screenings, medication dispensation records and logs, e.g., glucose readings, long -term medications administered during school hours, and other health-related information that is relevant to school participation, e.g., nursing services plan, failed screenings, yearly sports physical exams, interim health histories for sports.” 7. Accident report, defined by the ISBE as “documentation of any reportable student accident that results in an injury to a student, occurring on the way to or from school or on school grounds, at a school athletic event or when a student is participating in a school program or school -sponsored activity or on a school bus and that is severe enough to cause the student not to be in attendance for one -half day or more or requires medical treatment other than first aid. The accident report shall include identifying information, nature of injury, days lost, cause of injury, location of accident, medical treatment given to the student at the time of the accident, or whether the school nurse has referred the student for a medical evaluation, regardless of whether the parent, guardian or student (if 18 years or older) or an unaccompanied homeless youth … has followed through on that request.” 8. Any documentation of a student’s transfer, including records indicating the school or school district to which the student transferred. 9. Completed course substitution form for any student who, when under the age of 18, is enrolled in vocational and technical course as a substitute for a high school or graduation requirement. 10. Information contained in related service logs maintained by the District for a student with an individualized education program under 105 ILCS 5/14-8.02f(d), amended by P.A. 101-643, including for speech and language services, occupational therapy services, physical therapy ser vices, school social work services, school counseling services, school psychology services, and school nursing services. The temporary record may include: 1. Family background information 2. Intelligence test scores, group and individual 3. Aptitude test scores 4. Reports of psychological evaluations, including information on intelligence, personality and academic information obtained through test administration, observation, or interviews 5. Elementary and secondary achievement level test results 6. Participation in extracurricular activities, including any offices held in school -sponsored clubs or organizations 7. Honors and awards received 8. Teacher anecdotal records 9. Other disciplinary information 10. Special education records 11. Records associated with plans developed under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

12. Verified reports or information from non-educational persons, agencies, or organizations of clear relevance to the student’s education The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Ill. School Student Records Act (ISSRA) afford parents/guardians and students over 18 years of age ( eligible students) certain rights with respect to the student’s school records. They are: 1. The right to inspect and copy the student’s education records within 10 busine ss days after the date the District receives a request for access. The degree of access a student has to his or her records depends on the student’s age. Students less than 18 years of age have the right to inspect and copy only their permanent record. Stu dents 18 years of age or older have access and copy rights to both permanent and temporary records. Parents/guardians or students should submit to the Building Principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) or student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The District may extend the response timeline to 15 business days in accordance with ISSRA. The District charges $.35 per page for copying but no one will be denied their right to copies of their records for inability to pay this cost. These rights are denied to any person against whom an order of protection has been entered concerning a s tudent. 105 ILCS 5/10-22.3c and 10/5a; 750 ILCS 60/214(b)(15). 2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent(s)/ guardian(s) or eligible student believes are inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper. Parents/guardians or eligible students may ask the District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper. They should write the Building Principal or the Official Records Custodian, clearly identify the record they want changed, and specify the reason. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parents/guardians or eligible student, the District will notify the parents/guardians or eligible student of the decision and advise him or her of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent(s)/guardian(s) or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. 3. The right to permit disclosure of personally identifiable informa tion contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the FERPA or ISSRA authorizes disclosure without consent. Disclosure without consent is permitted to school officials with legitimate educational or administrative interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board. A school official may also include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of personally identifiable information from education records (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, therapist, or educational technology vendor); or any parents/guardians or student serving on an official committee, s uch as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. Individual board members do not have a right to see student records merely by virtue of their office unless they have a current demonstrable educational or administrative interest in the student and seeing his or her record(s) would be in furtherance of the interest. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfi ll his or her professional responsibility or contractual obligations with the District. Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student has enrolled or intends to enroll, as well as to any person as specifically required by State or federal law. Before information is released to these individuals, the parents/guardians will receive prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information, and an opportunity to inspect, copy, and challenge such records. When a challenge is made at the time the student’s records are being forwarded to another school to which the student is transferring, there is no right to challenge: (1) academic grades, or (2) references to expulsions or out-of-school suspensions. Disclosure is also permitted without consent to: any person for research, statistical reporting or planning, provided that no student or parent(s)/guardian(s) can be identified; any person named in a court order; appropriate per sons if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons; and juvenile authorities when necessary for the discharge of their official duties who request information before adjudication of the student. 4. The right to a copy of any school student record proposed to be destroyed or deleted. The permanent record is maintained for at least 60 years after the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws. The temporary record is maintained for at least five years after the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws. Temporary records that may be of assistance to a student with a disability who graduates or permanently withdraws, may, after five years, be transferred to the parent(s)/guardian(s) or to the student, if the student 24 has succeeded to the rights of the parent(s)/guardian(s). Student temporary records are reviewed every four years or upon a student’s change in attendance centers, whichever occurs first. 5. The right to prohibit the release of directory information concerning the parent’s/ guardian’s child. Throughout the school year, the District may release directory information regarding its students, limited to: Name Address Grade level Birth date and place Parent(s)’/guardian(s)’ names, addresses, electronic mail addresses, and telephone numbers Photographs, videos, or digital images used for informational or news -related purposes (whether by a media outlet or by the school) of a student participating in school or school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics that have appeared in school publications, such as yearbooks, newspapers, or sporting or fine arts programs Academic awards, degrees, and honors Information in relation to school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics Major field of study Period of attendance in school. No photograph highlighting individual faces is allowed for commercial purposes, including solicitation, advertising, promotion or fundraising without the prior, specific, dated and written consent of the parent or student, as applicable; and no image on a school security video recording shall be designated as directory information. 6. The right to request that military recruiters or institutions of higher learning not be granted access to your secondary school student’s name, address, and telephone numbers without your prior written consent. Federal law requires a secondary school to grant military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon their request, access to secondary school students’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers, unless the student’s parent/guardian, or a student who is 18 years of age or older, submits a written request that the information not be released without the prior written consent of the parent/guardian or eligible student. If you wish to exercise this option, notify the Building Principal where your student is enrolled for further instructions. 7. The right contained in this statement: No person may condition the granting or withh olding of any right, privilege or benefits or make as a condition of employment, credit, or insurance the securing by any individual of any information from a student’s temporary record which such individual may obtain through the exercise of any right secured under State law. 8. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Dept. of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: U.S. Department of Education Student Privacy Policy Office 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington DC 20202-8520

Religious Holidays

Religious Observance A student shall be released from school, as an excused absence, for the purpose of observing a religious holiday. The parent(s)/guardian(s) must give written notice to the District at least five (5) days before the student’s anticipated absence.

The parent(s)/guardian(s)’s written notification of the student’s anticipated absence shall satisfy the district’s requirement for a written excuse when the student returns to school. Graduation and Baccalaureate Exercises The use of an invocation and/or benediction at high school graduation and/or baccalaureate exercises shall rest within the discretion of the graduating senior class.

The invocation and/or benediction, if used, shall be given by a student volunteer. Consistent with the principle of equal liberty of conscience, the invocation and/or benediction shall be nonsectarian and not proselytizing in nature.

Reporting Pupil Progress

Progress reports will be issued midway through each term to inform students, parents and guardians of midterm progress in each class. If you have questions about a progress report, please discuss it with your student. If more clarification is needed, please contact the teacher.

Report cards are issued at the end of term for each student. The reports will include an evaluation of academic achievement, conduct and effort. They are issued to give parents/guardians a clearer understanding of their child’s total progress. Report cards will be provided for each child.

Parents/guardians will also be provided information on the level of academic achievement and growth of the parent’s child in each of the State academic assessments.

Residence

Only students who are residents of the district may attend a District school without a tuition charge, except as otherwise provided in Board Policy 7.60 . If the Superintendent or designee determines that a student attending school on a tuition-free basis is a non-resident of the District for whom tuition is required to be charged, he or she on behalf of the Board shall notify the person who enrolled the student of the tuition amount that is due. The notice shall be given by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. The person who enrolled the student may challenge this determination and request a hearing as provided by The School Code, 105 ILCS 5/10-20.12b.

Response to Intervention

RtI is a multi-tiered model of service delivery to promote efficient response to students’ needs. Each tier provides increasingly intensive support structures to ensure student success. Three tiers of intervention allow schools to offer increasingly intensive interventions to students who are not making adequate progress behaviorally or in the core classroom curriculum (Tier I). Interventions in Tiers II and III are intensified by increasing time, decreasing group size, using materials matched to students’ academic and/or behavioral needs, modifying modes of presentation and providing frequent corrective feedback. (See Student Code of Conduct Handbook.)

Safety Program

All District operations, including the education program, shall be conducted in a manner that will promote the safety of everyone on district property or at a district event. Board Policy 4.170 governs Safety and Security is attached as Appendix K.

The District has a plan for responding to medical emergencies that might occur in our physical fitness facilities. This plan includes access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) strategically and readily accessible to predetermined AED users. Such AEDs are available during school hours and after school during any activity or program organized by the school and supervised by a school employee. The predetermined AED users are school nurses and any other person who has received AED training (American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or equivalent training) and has a completion card on file with the Superintendent. The following information is posted with each AED: 1. Instructions to immediately call 911 and instructions for emergency care. 2. Instructions for using an AED.

School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools

To be eligible for admission, a child must be five (5) years old on or before September 1st of that school term. Children who enter first grade must be six (6) years old on or before September 1st of that school term. A child with exceptional needs who qualifies for special education services is eligible for admission at three (3) years of age. Parent(s)/guardian(s) may request early admission for a child. The superintendent or designee shall assess the child’s readiness to attend school and make the decision accordingly. Board Policy 7.50 provides guidance on admission and transfer.

All students must register for school each year on the dates and at the place designated by the superintendent. Parents/guardians of students enrolling in the district for the first time must present: 1. A certified copy of the student’s birth certificate. The school shall promptly make a copy of the certified copy for its records, place the copy in the student’s temporary record, and return the original to the person enrolling the child. Upon the failure of a person enrolling a student to provide a copy of the student’s birth certificate, the building principal shall immediately notify the local law enforcement agency and shall also notify the person enrolling the student in writing that, unless he or she complies within 10 days, the case shall be referred to the local law enforcement authority for investigation. If compliance is not obtained within that 10-day period, the principal shall so refer the case. The principal shall immediately report to the local law enforcement authority any material received pursuant to this paragraph that appears inaccurate or suspicious in form or content. 2. Proof of residence as required by Board Policy 7.60, Residence. 3. Proof of disease immunization or detection and the required physical examination, as required by state law and Board Policy 7.100, Health and Dental Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students. 4. Notice of Good Standing -- https://www.isbe.net/Documents/33-78_student_transfer.pdf#search=Good%20standing

Any homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child or child’s parent/guardian is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment. Board Policy 6.140, Education of Homeless Children, and its implementing administrative procedure govern the enrollment of homeless children.

School Lunches

The District participates in a federally funded alternative meal program that allows all students to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost to students. Parents do not need to complete a meal form at registration or send money with their children to cover the cost of school meals.

School Visitation Rights

The School Visitation Rights Act permits employed parents/guardians, who are unable to meet with educators because of a work conflict, the right to time off from work to attend necessary educational or behavioral conferences at their child's school. See Board Policy attached as Appendix L

School Wellness

Student wellness, including good nutrition and physical activity, is promoted in the District’s educational program, school activities, and meal programs. The Superintendent is responsi ble for ensuring that each school complies with Board Policy 6.50 School Wellness attached as Appendix M.

School Year Calendar and Day

School Calendar The Board of Education, upon the superintendent’s recommendation and subject to State regulations, annually establishes the dates for opening and closing classes, teacher institutes and in-services, the length and dates of vacations, and the days designated as legal school holidays. The school calendar shall have a minimum of 185 days to ensure the legally required number of days of actual student attendance.

Commemorative Holidays The teachers and students shall devote a portion of the school day on each commemorative holiday designated in the School Code to study and honor the commemorated person or occasion. The Board of Education may, from time to time, designate a regular school day as a commemorative holiday.

School Day The Board establishes the length of the school day with the recommendation of the Superintendent and subject to State law requirements. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that observances required by state law are followed during each day of school attendance.

The School Calendar for the 2021-22 school year is attached as Appendix R.

Search and Seizure Policy

School authorities may inspect and search school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school (such as lockers, desks, and parking lots), as well as personal effects left there by a student, without notice to or the consent of the student. Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places or areas or in their personal effects left there. This paragraph applies to student vehicles parked on school property. The Superintendent or designee may request the assistance of law enforcement officials to conduct inspections and searches of lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and equipment for illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or dangerous substances or materials, including searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs.

“School authorities,”, shall be defined as those individuals with authority and accountability over a school building, such as a principal, assistant principal and school liaison police officers. (See Board Policy 7.140.

School Authorities may not request or require a student or his or h er parents/guardians to provide a password or other related account information to gain access to the student’s account or profile on a social networking website. Examples of social networking websites and platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Snapchat.

School authorities may conduct an investigation or require a student to cooperate in an investigation if there is specific information about activity on the student’s account on a social networking website that violates a school behavio r rule or 27 policy. In the course of an investigation, the student may be required to share the content that is reported in order to allo w school officials to make a factual determination.

Section 504 Accommodation Plans

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly referred to as Section 504, is a nondiscrimination statute enacted by the U.S. Congress. The Act’s purpose is to: (1) protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance from the U.S. Dept. of Education (ED), and (2) ensure that disabled students have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to non -disabled students. An eligible student under Section 504 is a student who: has a record of having, or is regarded as having, a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity as defined by 34 C.F.R. §104.3.

This section describes the rights ensured by Section 504 to those disabled students who do not qualify for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The intent of this notice is to keep you fully informed concerning decisions about your child and to inform you of your rights if you disagree with any decisions in reference to Section 504. Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program under the IDEA may qualify for services under Section 504 if the student: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) has a record of a physical or mental impairment; or (3) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.

Parents/Guardians and/or students have the right to: 1. Be informed by the School District of your rights and procedural safeguards under Section 504 in an understandable language. 34 C.F.R. Part 104. The purpose of this notice is to advise parents/guardians and/o r students of these rights. 2. A free appropriate public education designed to meet a student’s individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students are met. 34 C.F.R. §104.33. 3. Free educational services except for those fees that a re imposed on non-disabled students or their parents/guardians. Insurers and similar third parties are not relieved from an otherwise valid obligation to provide or pay for services provided to a disabled student. 34 C.F.R. §104.33. 4. A placement in the least restrictive environment to the maximum extent appropriate to meet the student’s needs. 34 C.F.R. §104.34. 5. Facilities, services, and activities comparable to those provided for non -disabled students. 34 C.F.R. §104.34. 6. An evaluation prior to an initial Se ction 504 placement and any subsequent significant change in placement. 34 C.F.R. §104.35. 7. Testing and other evaluation procedures conforming to the requirements of 34 C.F.R. §104.35 as to validation, administration, areas of evaluation, etc. The District shall consider information from a variety of sources, including aptitude and achievement tests, teacher recommendations, physical conditions, social and cultural background, adaptive behavior, physical or medical reports, student grades, progress reports, parent/guardian observations, anecdotal reports and standardized test scores. 34 C.F.R. §104.35. 8. Placement decisions made by a group of persons, i.e., a Section 504 committee, including the parent(s)/guardian(s) and persons knowledgeable about the student, the meaning of the evaluation data, the placement options, and the legal requirements for the least restrictive environment and comparable facilities. 34 C.F.R. §104.35(c). 9. Periodic reevaluation of students who have been provided special education and rel ated services. 34 C.F.R. §104.35(d). 10. A notice prior to any action by the District in regard to the identification, evaluation, or placement of the student. 34 C.F.R. §104.36. 11. Examine relevant records. 34 C.F.R. §104.36. 12. An impartial hearing regarding the student’s identification, evaluation, or educational placement including an opportunity for parental participation in the hearing and representation by an attorney, and a review procedure. 34 C.F.R. §104.36. 13. File a grievance under Board policy 2.260, Uniform Grievance Procedure, regarding any complaints that allege action prohibited by Section 504. 14. File a complaint with the District’s Section 504 coordinator or designee concerning Section 504 matters other than your student’s identification, evaluation and/or placement. The Section 504 coordinator or designee will investigate 28

the allegations to the extent warranted by the nature of the complaint in an effort to reach a prompt and equitable resolution. 15. File a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights. The Illi nois regional Office of Civil Rights is located in Chicago at: Chicago Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education Citigroup Center 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661 Phone: 312/730-1560 Fax: 312/730-1567 TDD: 877/521-2172 Email: [email protected]

If you would like more information about the differences between Section 504 and IDEA, see Protecting Students with Disabilities FAQ about Section 504 and the Education of Ch ildren with Disabilities, available at: www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html.

Sex Offender Registry

Information about sex offenders and violent offenders against youth is available to the public on the Ill. Dept. of State Police (ISP) website. The ISP website contains the following: Illinois Sex Offender Registry, www.isp.state.il.us/sor/ Illinois Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry, www.isp.state.il.us/cmvo/ Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Sex Offenders, www.isp.state.il.us/sor/faq.cfm

Special Education Programs and Services

Education of Children with Disabilities The school district shall provide a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and necessary related services to all children with disabilities enrolled in the District, as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and implementing provisions of The School Code, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The district provides special education services to eligible children who are not enrolled in the district, as required by law. The term “children with disabilities,” means children between ages 3 and 21 (inclusive) for whom it is determined, through definitions and procedures described in the Illinois State Board of Education’s Special Education (ISBE) rules, that special education services are needed.

It is the intent of the district to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services. Students may be disabled within the meaning of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act even though they do not require services pursuant to the IDEA.

For students eligible for services under IDEA, the district shall follow procedures for identification, evaluation, placement, and delivery of services to children with disabilities provided in the Illinois State Board of Education’s Special Education rules. For those students who are not eligible for services under IDEA, but because of disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, need or are believed to need special instruction or related services, the District shall establish and implement a system of procedural safeguards. The safeguards shall cover students’ identification, evaluation, and educational placement. This system shall include notice, an opportunity for the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to examine relevant records, an impartial hearing with opportunity for participation by the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), representation by counsel, and a review procedure.

The district may maintain membership in one or more cooperative associations of school districts which shall assist the school district in fulfilling its obligations to the district’s disabled students.

Behavioral Interventions Behavioral interventions shall be used with students with disabilities to promote and strengthen desirable behaviors and reduce identified inappropriate behaviors. The School Board will establish and maintain a committee to de velop, implement, and monitor procedures on the use of behavioral interventions for children with disabilities.

Discipline of Special Education Students The District shall comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and the Illinois State Board of Education’s Special Education rules when disciplining special education students. No special education student shall be expelled if the student’s particular act of gross di sobedience or misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disability.

If necessary, students may also be placed in nonpublic special education programs or education facilities.

Student Accidents/Insurance

Basic first aid is administered in schools by school personnel (nurses, principals, etc.,) for minor injuries such as scrapes, bruises and minor cuts. Nurses will administer first aid for more serious injuries such as possible fractures, lacerations and severe bruising. Parents are contacted when medical attention is required. Hospitals cannot administer treatment without the consent of parents or guardians unless the situation is life- threatening. Thus, it is important that we have the correct phone number where you can be reached during the day.

The school district has purchased a Student Accident Insurance Program that covers your child for injuries incurred while participating in school sponsored and supervised activities, including all sports. This program pays benefits up to $5,000,000 with no deductible.

Ambulance services for injured students/staff may occasionally be required by the Rockford Public Schools. The following guidelines are to be used by school personnel when using these services for school-based incidents: 1. Ambulance service required for students who are injured while participating in school sponsored and supervised activities is covered under the Student Accident Insurance Program. 2. Every effort will be made by school personnel to contact parents before requesting this transportation. This would apply to non- life- threatening situations. In the case of life-threatening situations, the ambulance would be called immediately before any attempt to contact parents for their permission. 3. If parents refuse the use of an ambulance, even though school personnel feel it is necessary, it is then the full responsibility of the parent involved. 4. There is no need for a principal/staff member to sign any papers in regard to the ambulance service.

Student Address Changes

Address changes for all students enrolled in District 205 can be completed at the student’s assigned school, transportation or the Welcome Center. When a move occurs, the parents/guardian needs to complete a Request for Change of Address Form, which may be obtained from the school, transportation or Welcome Center. Two proofs of the new address (see list below) are also required before the current address information can be changed in the mainframe computer record. Outdated and inaccurate addresses may result in the parents/guardian not receiving important school and district-wide mailing.

PROOF OF RESIDENCY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: • Mortgage Closing Papers (homeowners, closing DEED) (intent to purchase will not be accepted) (must be within last 30 days) • Signed and dated lease WITH proof of last month’s payment, e.g. canceled check or receipts (renters) (must be within last 30 days) or *Catholic Charities, Rock Valley Immigration office letter • “Affidavit of Residence” to be used when the person seeking to enroll a student is living with a district resident (form available at the Welcome Center). In addition, district resident must provide tow acceptable proof of address listed below. OR TWO OF THE FOLLOWING: • Most recent property tax bill and proof of payment, e.g. canceled check or Form 1098 (homeowners) (must be within last 30 days) • Utility bills (must be within last 30 days) • Current DHS Medical Card MUST include the Parent/Guardian(s) current address • Mail received at new residence, including forwarded mail (only ONE of these will be accepted and must be within the last 30 days) *Driver’s License, Rent Receipts and Voter’s Registration, etc. may NOT be used for verification of residency.

Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries

Board Policy 7.265 governs Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries Each student and his or her parent/guardian must read and sign an Agreement to Participate before being allowed to participate in interscholastic sport(s) or intramural athletics. The completed Agreement should be returned to the Coach.

Student Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct sets forth the discipline policy of the Rockford School District and is designed to clarify the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, teachers, bus drivers and other school personnel in the Rockford Public Schools. Students, staff, parents and others are encouraged to study and discuss the contents of this code. Understanding rights and responsibilities is one way to better ensure that these rights and responsibilities are respected and provide fairness.

Fair and equitable discipline is intended to protect the rights and privileges of all persons, in all matters relating to the conduct of the school. Principals, teachers, and certified personnel stand in loco parentis, that is, in the supervision of students in the absence of parent/guardian.

The teaching of self-discipline (responsibility for a person's own actions) is a goal of the Rockford Public School District's Student Code of Conduct. It is the school's responsibility to implement a program for teaching a system of essential rules and to administer just and constructive corrective measures. Should corrective measures be necessary, the following will be considered:

• Student's age • Ability-functioning level • Seriousness of the offense • Frequency of inappropriate behavior • Circumstances and intent — including family • Circumstances and/or home environment situations • Potential effect of the misconduct on the school environment • Relationship of the behavior to any handicapping condition • Relationship of the behavior to alcohol or drug influence

With very young children, application of discipline consequences should focus more on care for the child and holding caregivers responsible than consequences to the child.

Student safety is the primary concern of the Rockford School District’s Transportation Department. Laws and regulations have been established to ensure the safety of students, and drivers on school vehicles. Misbehavior on school vehicles poses a threat to the safety of everyone on the roadway.

When it has been determined by a principal or assistant principal that a student is in violation of the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, the principal or assistant principal shall impose appropriate disciplinary measures. It is the intention of the board of education that this code can be viewed as cumulative, so that repeat or persistent violations result in increased interventions and progressive discipline. A discipline record will be maintained on each student. This record will include Student Code of Conduct violations, interventions designed to assist the student in correcting behavior, and consequences assigned for inappropriate behavior. Whenever a child is found in violation of major behaviors indicated in the code, the principal or assistant principal will determine appropriate consequences for the offense based on the Student Code of Conduct. If a child continues to violate the Student Code of Conduct, appropriate consequences will continue to be dispensed as well as Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies utilized for the child based on the Response to Intervention (RtI) 3 – Tiered Systems of Support model. A parent or administrator may request, at any time, to review behavioral records and request consideration for an alternative program.

For more information, refer to your copy of the Rockford School District Student Code of Conduct, which will also discuss suspension and expulsion procedures, with due process requirements, behavior interventions guidelines, policies and procedures, and alternative learning opportunities. This Student Code of Conduct is presented to each family at registration and is posted on each school’s information page on the District website at RPS205.com

Student Harassment

31 or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above.

The Rockford Board of Education has adopted Policy 7.20 Harassment of Students Prohibited and Policy 7.180 Preventing Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment

Student Support Services

The following student support services may be provided by the school district: 1. Health services supervised by a qualified nurse. 2. The superintendent or designee may implement procedures to further a healthy school environment and prevent or reduce the spread of disease, including head lice (Pediculus Humanus Capitis). 3. Educational and psychological testing services and the services of a psychologist as needed. In all cases, written permission to administer a psychological examination must be obtained from a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). The results will be given to the parent(s)/guardian(s) with interpretation, as well as the appropriate professional staff. 4. The services of a social worker. A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) must consent to regular or continuing services from a social worker. 5. Guidance and counseling services 6. A liaison to facilitate the enrollment and transfer of records of students in the legal custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services when enrolling in or changing schools.

The superintendent or designee shall develop protocols for responding to students with social, emotional, or mental health problems that impact learning ability. The district, however, assumes no liability for preventing, identifying, or treating such problems.

Student and Family Privacy Rights

All surveys requesting personal information from students, as well as any other instrument used to collect personal information from students, must advance or relate to the District’s educational objectives, or assist students’ career choices. This applies to all surveys, regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified and regardless of who created the survey.

Parents/guardians may request that their child not participate in surveys that concern one or more of the following eigh t areas: 1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent/guardian; 2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family; 3. Sexual behavior or attitudes; 4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; 5. Critical appraisals of others with whom the student has close family relationships; 6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers; 7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents/guardians; or 8. Income other than as required by law to determine program eligibility. The school will not penalize any student whose parent/guardian exercises this option. In addition, a parent/guardian may review surveys asking questions about the above areas as well a s other instructional materials. School Board policy 7.15, Student and Family Privacy Rights, contains a more thorough explanation of these rights and is attached as Appendix N.

Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention

Youth suicide impacts the safety of the school environment. It also affects the school community, diminishing the ability of surviving students to learn and the school’s ability to educate. Suicide and Depression awareness and prevention are important Board goals.

The Student Services Department for the Rockford Public Schools has developed (and ensures the implementation of) Suicide and Depression Awareness Prevention Programs to achieve the Board of Education goals for improved social climate and student safety. RPS Board policy 7.290.

Protocols and Procedures include: a) Protocols for administering youth suicide awareness and prevention education to students and staff. b) Procedures for methods of suicide prevention with the goal of early identification and referral of students possibly at risk of suicide. c) Methods of intervention, including procedures that address an emotional or mental health safety plan for use during the school day and at school-sponsored events for a student identified at increased risk of suicide

Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualifications

The District will provide parents timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned, or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by, a teacher who does not meet applicable State certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned.

Parents/guardians may request, and the District will provide the parents on request in a timely manner, information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers, including, at a minimum, whether: a. The teacher has met the State qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction. b. The teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status. c. The teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher. d. Paraprofessionals provide services to the student and, if so, their qualifications.

Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

Engaging in teen dating violence that takes place at school, on school property, at school -sponsored activities, or in vehicles used for school-provided transportation is prohibited.

Telephone Procedures

Unless an emergency situation exists, teachers and students will not be called to the telephone during school hours. Teachers will be notified of all parent calls. Calls should be returned to parents in a timely manner.

The school telephone should be used by students only in cases of emergency, such as illness or accident. Arrangements for after-school activities should be made before your child comes to school.

Testing

The Superintendent or designee shall manage the student assessment program that, at a minimum administers to students all standardized assessments required by the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE) and/or any other appropriate assessment methods and instruments, including norm and criterion-referenced achievement tests, aptitude tests, proficiency tests, and teacher-developed tests.

Parents may request information regarding any State or District agency policy regarding student participation in any assessments mandated by Section 6311(b)(2) and by the State or District, which shall include a policy, procedure, or parental right to opt the child out of such assessment, where applicable. In addition, the District shall post on its website information on each assessment required by the State to comply with Section 6311, other assessments required by the State, and (where available and feasible to report) assessments required districtwide, including: a. The subject matter assessed; b. The purpose for which the assessment is designed and used; c. The source of the requirement for the assessment; and d. Where such information is available: i. The amount of time students will spend taking the assessment, and the schedule for the assessment; and ii. The time and format for disseminating results.

Title I Programs

The superintendent or designee shall seek funding under Title I, Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, to supplement instructional services and activities to improve the educational opportunities of educationally disadvantaged or deprived children.

All District schools, regardless of whether they receive Title I funds, shall provide services that, taken as a whole, are substantially comparable. Teachers, administrators, and other staff shall be assigned to schools in a manner that ensures equivalency among the district’s schools. Curriculum materials and instructional supplies shall be provided in a manner that ensures equivalency among the District’s schools. Board Policy 6.170

Title I Parental Involvement The district maintains programs, activities, and procedures for the involvement of parents/guardians of students receiving services, or enrolled in programs, under Title I. These programs, activities, and procedures are described in District-level and School-level compacts.

Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure

Sexual harassment affects a student’s ability to learn. Providing an educational environment free from sexual harassment is an important District goal. The District does not discriminate on th e basis of sex in any of its education programs or activities, and it complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106) concerning everyone in the District’s education programs and a ctivities, including, students, parents/guardians, employees, and third parties. Board Policy 7.20 Harassment of Students Prohibited and Policy 2.265 Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure are attached as Appendices O and P.

Students are encouraged to report claims or incidences of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other prohibited conduct to the Title IX/Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, or a Uniform Grievance Complaint Manager (Board Policy 2.260), or any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. A student may choose to report to a school administrator of the student’s same sex. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible given the need to investigate. Students who make good faith complaints will not be disciplined.

Tobacco Prohibition Policy

All district facilities are tobacco free. The use of tobacco on District property is prohibited. The use of "tobacco" shall mean cigarette, cigar, pipe (in a lit or unlit condition) or tobacco in any form, including smokeless tobacco, in a condition which enables it to be placed in the mouth without being smoked.

Transportation

The Board has established a policy that describes provision of transportation of students which is provided as Appendix Q of this handbook. Bus Safety Rules Students should: 1. Be aware of moving traffic and pay attention to your surroundings. 2. Dress properly for the weather. Make sure all drawstrings, ties, straps, etc. on all clothing, backpacks and other items, are shortened or removed to lessen the likelihood of them getting caught in bus doors, railings or aisles. 3. Arrive on time at the bus stop and stay away from the street while waiting for the bus. 4. Stay away from the bus until it stops completely, and the drive signals you to board. Enter in single file without pushing. Always use the handrail. 5. Take a seat right away and remain seated facing forward. Keep your hands, arms, and head inside the bus. 6. Talk quietly on the bus. No shouting or creating loud noises that may district the driver. Tablets, iPods, smart phones, and other electronic devices must be silenced on the bus unless a student uses headphones. 7. Help keep the bus neat and clean. Keep belongings out of the aisle and away from emergency exits. Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus. 8. Always listen to the driver’s instructions. Be courteous to the driver and other students. Sit with hands to yourself and avoid making noises that would distract the driver or bother other passengers. Remain seated, keeping your hands, arms, and head inside the bus at all times. 9. Wait until the bus pulls to a complete stop before standing up. Use the handrail when exiting the bus. 10. Stay out of the danger zone next to the bus where the driver may have difficulty seeing you. Take five giant steps away from the bus and out of the danger zone, until you can see the driver and the driver sees you. Never crawl under a bus. 11. If you must cross the street after you get off the bus, wait for the driver’s signal and then cross in front of the bus. Cross the street only after checking both ways for traffic. 12. Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot something

Transportation and Education Stability for Foster Care Students The office of Student Services, for the Rockford Public Schools, serves as the “Point of Contact” (P.O.C.) with respect to our local “Child Welfare Agency” (CWA) under the federal “Every Student Succeeds Act” (ESSA). RPS provides procedures governing how school transportation is arranged, provided and funded for students in foster care in effort to maintain enrollment in their school of origin and in consideration for the best interest of the child under E.S.S.A.

Best Interest Guidelines New requirements under Title 1 of ESEA, as amended by ESSA, emphasize the importance of limiting educational disruption by keeping students who are in foster care (due to entering the foster care system or changing placements) in their schools of origin, unless it is determined to be in the best interest of a student to change schools. If it is not in the best interest of a student to remain in his or her school of origin, a student in foster care should be enrolled in his or her new school without delay. An SEA, in collaboration with the State or tribal child welfare agency, must ensure that an LEA takes into consideration all factors relating to a student’s best interest in determining whether the student should remain in his or her school of origin. Best Interest Determination Factors/Considerations: • Appropriateness of the current educational setting and proximity of placement • Preferences of the student • Preferences of the student’s parent(s) or education decision-maker(s) • The student’s attachment to the school, including meaningful relationships with staff and peers • Placement of the student’s sibling(s) • Influence of the school climate on the student, including safety • The availability and quality of the services in the school to meet the student’s educational and social emotional needs.

Uniform Grievance Procedure

Students, parent(s)/guardian(s) employees or community members should notify any district complaint manager if they believe that the Board of Education, its employees or agents have violated their rights guaranteed by the State or Federal Constitution, State or federal statute, or Board Policy or have a complaint regarding any of the listed acts specified in Board Policy 2.260. refer to Appendix J contained in this handbook.

Visitors' Code of Conduct

The Rockford School District encourages visits by parents or guardians, citizens, and board of education members to all school campuses. All visitors must report to the school office and receive permission to remain on school property. All visitors must sign a visitors’ log, show identification, and wear a visitor’s badge. When leaving the school, visitors must return their badge. On those occasions when large groups of parents and friends are invited onto school property, visitors are not required to sign in but must follow school officials’ instructions. Persons on school property without permission will be directed to leave and may be subject to criminal prosecution. Any person wishing to confer with a staff member must contact that staff member by telephone or email to make an appointment. . Conferences with teachers are held, to the extent possible, outside school hours or during the teacher’s conferences/preparation period. .

Any staff member may request any person entering the school campus to provide identification and the purpose of the visit. A person who refuses to provide such information is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. The principal or designee shall seek the immediate removal of any person who (1) refuses to provide identification or the purpose of the entry, (2) interferes with, disrupts, or threatens to disrupt any school activity or the learning environment, or (3) engages in an activity in violation of board policy. If the principal determines the conduct of a visitor warrants denial of access, the principal may request that the superintendent notify the visitor that access to a school campus is denied. The superintendent, acting upon a request from the principal, may notify the visitor that his/her access is denied up to one year. The notification shall be in writing and shall advise the visitor that he/she may request a mediation hearing. Said request must be made no later than 10 days after the date of the notice. Any person who behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner during an athletic or co-curricular event may be ejected from the event and/or denied admission to school events for up to one year. The notification shall be in writing.

Web Site Information

Please consider using our website www.rps205.com to find answers to questions about the school calendar, menus, enrollment process, fees, school physicals, etc.

A Quick Links listing on the left navigation bar will provide an index to find answers to specific questions. This website also contains links to individual School Sites, along with information regarding the Illinois Learning Standards and ISBE Resources where you can view individual school report cards prepared by the ISBE and Online Resources which provides research and websites to reinforce learning.

APPENDICES – Board Policies and Notices

APPENDIX A 6.110

Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program The Superintendent or designee may develop, maintain, and supervise a program for students at risk of academic failure or dropping out of school. The program shall include education and support services addressing individual learning styles, career development, and social needs, and may include without limitation one or more of the following: • Parent-teacher conferences • Counseling services by social workers and/or guidance counselors • Counseling services by psychologists • Psychological testing • Truants’ alternative and optional education program • Alternative school placement • Community agency services • Alternative learning opportunities program, in conformity with the Alternative Learning Opportunities Law, as it may be amended from time to time • Graduation incentives program • Illinois Hope and Opportunity Pathways through Education (IHOPE) Program • Remediation program.

Any student who is below the age of 20 years is eligible to enroll in a graduation incentives program if he or she: 1 Is considered a dropout according to State law; 2 Has been suspended or expelled; 3 Is pregnant or is a parent; 4 Has been assessed as chemically dependent; or 5 Is enrolled in a bilingual education or LEP program. 6 Has an Individualized Educational Plan with the graduation incentive program specified therein.

Illinois Hope and Opportunity Pathways through Education (IHOPE) Program To the extent the District is awarded IHOPE funds, the Superintendent or designee shall develop the required partnerships necessary to build a comprehensive plan to re-enroll high school dropouts in the District through the IHOPE Program. The IHOPE Program shall include all components required by State law and regulations. Any student who wishes to earn a high school diploma must meet the prerequisites to receiving a high school diploma in policy 6:300, Graduation Requirements.

LEGAL REF.: 105 ILCS 5/2-3.41, 5/2-3.64, 5/2-3.66, 5/2-3.66b, 5/13B-1 et seq., 5/26-2a, 5/2613, 5/26-14, and 5/26-16. 23 Ill. Admin. Code Part 210.

CROSS REF.: 6.280, 6.300, 7.70

Adopted: July 8, 1997 Revised: March 23, 2010 August 14, 2012

APPENDIX B 7.70

Attendance and Truancy Compulsory School Attendance

This policy applies to individuals who have custody or control of a child: (a) between the ages of six (on or before September 1) and 17 years (unless the child has graduated from high school), or (b) who is enrolled in any of grades, kindergarten through 12, in the public school regardless of age.

Subject to specific requirements in State law, the following children are not required to attend public school: (1) any child attending a private school (including a home school) or parochial school, (2) any child who is physically or mentally unable to attend school (including a pregnant student suffering medical complications as certified by her physician), (3) any child lawfully and necessarily employed, (4) any child over 12 and under 14 years of age while in confirmation classes, (5) any child absent because his or her religion forbids secular activity on a particular day, and (6) any child 16 years of age or older who is employed and is enrolled in a graduation incentives program. 36

The parent/guardian of a student who is enrolled must authorize all absences from school and notify the school in advance or at the time of the student’s absence. A valid cause for absence includes illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, voting, other situations beyond the control of the student, other circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the student’s mental, emotional or physical safety or health, or other reason as approved by the Superintendent or designee.

Absenteeism and Truancy Program

The Superintendent or designee shall manage an absenteeism and truancy program in accordance with the School Code and Board Policy. The program shall include but not be limited to:

1. A protocol for excusing a student from attendance who is necessarily and lawfully employed. The Superintendent or designee is authorized to determine when the student’s absence is justified. 2. A protocol for excusing a student in grades 6 through 12 from attendance to sound Taps at a military honors funeral held in Illinois for a deceased veteran. 3. A protocol for excusing a student from attendance on a particular day(s) or at a particular time of day when his/her parent/guardian is an active duty member of the uniformed services and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat-support postings. 4. A process to telephone, within two hours after the first class, the parents/guardians of students in grade 8 or below who are absent without prior parent/guardian notification. 5. A process to identify and track students who are truants, chronic or habitual truants, or truant minors as defined in 105 ILCS 5/26- 2a. 6. A description of diagnostic procedures for identifying the cause(s) of a student’s unexcused absenteeism, including interviews with the student, his or her parent(s)/guardian(s), and staff members or other people who may have information about the reasons for the student’s attendance problem. 7. The identification of supportive services that may be offered to truant or chronically truant students, including parent-teacher conferences, student and/or family counseling or information about community agency services. See Board Policy 6.110, Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program. 8. Reasonable efforts to provide ongoing professional development to teachers, administrators, Board members, school resource officers, and staff on the appropriate and available supportive services for the promotion of student attendance and engagement. 9. A process to request the assistance and resources of outside agencies, such as, the juvenile officer of the local police department or the truant office of the appropriate Regional Office of Education, if truancy continues after supportive services have been offered. 10. A protocol for cooperating with non-District agencies including County or municipal authorities, the Regional Superintendent, truant officers, the Community Truancy Review Board, and a comprehensive community based youth service agency. Any disclosure of school student records must be consistent with Board policy 7.340, Student Records, as well as State and federal law concerning school student records. 11. An acknowledgement that no punitive action, including out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, or court action, shall be taken against a chronic truant for his or her truancy unless available supportive services and other school resources have been provided to the student. 12. The criteria to determine whether a student’s non-attendance is due to extraordinary circumstances shall include economic or medical necessity or family hardship and such other criteria that the Superintendent believes qualifies. 13. A process for a 17- year- old resident to participate in the District’s various programs and resources for truants. The student must provide documentation of his/her dropout status for the previous six months. A request from an individual 19 years of age or older to re-enroll after having dropped out of school is handled according to provisions in 7.50, Students School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools. 14. A process for the temporary exclusion of a student 17 years of age or older for failing to meet minimum academic or attendance standards according to provisions in State law. A parent/guardian has the right to appeal a decision to exclude a student

LEGAL REF.: 10 ILCS 5/7-42 and 5/17-15 105 ILCS 5/26-1 through 16. 705 ILCS 405/3-33.5, Juvenile Court Act of 1987. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.242 and 1.290.

CROSS REF.: 5.100, 6.110, 6.150, 7.10, 7.50, 7.60, 7.80, 7.90, 7.190, 7.340

Adopted: October 28, 1997

Revised: December 19, 2000 37

December 13, 2005 June 10, 2008 October 28, 2014 November 12, 2019

APPENDIX C Tardy Matrix

Attendance Policy/Truancy Framework Matrix

Consequence Tardy Unexcused Absence “Skipping”

Elementary Secondary Elementary Secondary Level Mandatory: Parent/Guardian Outreach 1st Offense After School Detention DM Secondary Minor Minor Minor Truancy Intervention Support (1 Class Period) Counseling Intervention Social Work Intervention Mandatory: 2nd Offense Parent/Guardian Outreach Secondary Saturday School DM Minor Minor Minor (2 Class Truancy Intervention Support Periods) Counseling Intervention Social Work Intervention Mandatory: Parent/Guardian Outreach 3rd Offense Social Intervention Learning Secondary GDM (2) Minor Minor Minor Environment (3 Class (1st Offense) Truancy Intervention Support Periods) Counseling Intervention Social Work Intervention Mandatory: Mandatory: Parent/Guardian Outreach Parent/Guardian Outreach Lunch Detention Social Intervention Learning Lunch GDM (2) 4th Offense After School Detention Truancy Intervention Support Environment Detention (2nd Offense) Counseling Intervention Truancy Intervention Support Social Work Intervention Counseling Intervention Social Work Intervention Principal Truancy Notification Letter Youth Service School Administration Truancy Intervention Support GDM (2) 5th Offense Network Social Intervention Counseling Intervention (3rd Offense) (YSN) Learning Environment Social Work Intervention GDM (2) (3rd Offense) School Administration Truancy Intervention Support YSN 6th Offense Social Intervention Counseling Intervention Refer to the Learning Environment Social Work Intervention Student Code of Conduct School Administration • Social Intervention Learning Environment YSN SSAL Department Notice 7th & Subsequent • Overnight Suspension Truancy Court Truancy Intervention Support ~ (Parent must attend conference) Counseling Intervention • Social Suspension Social Work Intervention

300 minutes per day constitutes 1 full day of attendance – Grades 2 – 12 150 Minutes per day constitutes ½ day of attendance – Grades 2 – 12 **August, 2018, after 10 day Count 240 Minutes – full day attendance – Pre-K – 1st120 Minutes – ½ day attendance – Pre-K = 1st *Example: 15 Minutes Tardy for 10 days = 150 Minutes = ½ day Attendance (Form Updated: June 2019)

APPENDIX D Bullying Report

APPENDIX E 8.20

Community Use of School Facilities

Fees will be charged based on the below categories.

Category 1 – School District-related Organizations/Groups

Category 1 groups are not charged facility rental fees.

Category 1 groups include student groups and school -related organizations that are directly related to and recognized by the School District. School District-related organizations include parent/teacher groups, booster clubs, School District employee organizations and student clubs/organizations that are approved and recognized by the District (e.g., student drama club). In addition, Category 1 includes school groups that are n ot school sponsored but that are entitled to the free use of school premises pursuant to the Equal Access Act (e.g., student prayer groups, etc.) or where the only students in the club/organization are School District students (e.g., boy scouts, girl scout s, etc.). Category 1 groups do not include club sports or other groups which do not limit participation in the group to Rockford Public School students.

Category 1 also includes any use of the facilities as an emergency evacuation center(s) and/or emergen cy shelter(s).

Category 2 – School District-related Organizations/Groups Hosting Tournaments

Category 2 groups are required to cover the costs of janitorial services and other labor costs associated with hosting the event. Category 2 groups are not requ ired to pay the standard facility rental fees which include ancillary costs such as utilities, insurance, and reasonable wear and tear/depreciation cover costs associated with wear and tear of the facility.

Category 2 is limited to (1) School District-related organizations such as parent/teacher groups, booster clubs, School District employee organizations and student clubs/organizations that are approved and recognized by the District (e.g., student drama club), that (2) are hosting tournaments or other special events that are expected to provide a significant fund-raising opportunity for that organization.

In order to be identified as a Category 2 facilities use, the fund -raising event and facilities use must be pre-approved by the Superintendent or designee.

Category 3 – Governmental and Non-Profit Organizations and Individual Use

Category 3 groups include entities, organizations, clubs, associations, religious organizations and other non -profit or governmental agencies organized for general charact er building or welfare purposes. These groups must provide documentation of legal non-profit status filed with the Internal Revenue Service, otherwise the private rate applies.

The administration will set rates for Category 3 groups/individuals annually based on an actual analysis of the costs incurred by the District from facility usage. Those costs include labor, utilities, supplies, insurance, and reasonable wear and tear/depreciation. Waivers of the required fees will not be granted. Notwithstanding, upon the prior approval of the Board, the administration may offset the costs incurred by the District with “in kind” donations from the user.

Category 3 groups/individuals having fundraising events, tournaments, or meetings where fees are charged to the participants or where admission fees are charged to attendees or where contributions are solicited must be for the sole benefit of the students of the Rockford Public Schools. Otherwise the Category 4 fee schedule applies to their rental contract.

Category 4 – Private or Commercial Groups or Fundraising Groups

The administration will set rates for Category 4 groups/individuals annually based on an actual analysis of the costs incurred by the District from facility usage. Those costs includ e labor, utilities, supplies, insurance, and reasonable wear and tear/depreciation. 41

Category 4 groups must pay hourly rental fee based on fair market value which shall include fees for use of specialized equipment, custodial, maintenance and security. No twithstanding, Category 4 rates shall be no less than the Category 3 rates.

The Superintendent shall develop procedures consistent with this Policy to manage community use of school facilities. Use of school facilities requires the Superintendent or desi gnee’s approval and is subject to the procedures.

A report of facility usage must be posted on the District website no later than June 30th of each year. The report must contain the names of individuals/entities who entered into agreements to use Dist rict facilities, the days and hours used by each individual/entity and the amount paid for such use.

LEGAL REF.: 20 U.S.C. §7905. 10 ILCS 5/19-2.2 and 5/11-4.1. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.40, 5/10-22.10, and 5/29-3.5. Good News Club v. Milford Central School, 121 S.Ct. 2093 (2001). Rosenberger v. Rector and Visitors of Univ. of Va. , 515 U.S. 819 (1995). Lamb’s Chapel v. Center Moriches Union Free School District , 113 S.Ct. 2141, (1993).

CROSS REF.: 7.330, 8.20, 8.25, 8.30

Adopted: October 28, 1997 Revised: September 23, 2008 April 8, 2014 March 21, 2019

APPENDIX F 6.60

Curriculum Content

The curriculum shall contain instruction on subjects required by State statute or regulation: as follows:

1. In Kindergarten through grade 8, subjects include: (a) language arts, (b) reading, (c) other communication skills, (d) science, (e) mathematics, (f) social studies, (g) art, (h) music, and (i) drug and substance abuse prevention. A reading opportunity of 60 minutes per day will be promoted for all students in Kindergarten through grade 3 whose reading levels are one grade level or more lower than their current grade level. Before the completion of grade 5, students will be offered at least one unit of cursive instruction. Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, in grades 6, 7, or 8, students must receive at least one semester of civics education in accordance with Illinois Learning Standards for social science.

2. In grades 9 through 12, subjects include: (a) language arts, (b) writing intensive course, (c) science, (d) mathematics, (e) social studies including U.S. history, American government and, one semester of civics, (f) foreign language, (g) music, (h) art, (i) driver and safety education, and (j) vocational education.

Students otherwise eligible to take a driver education course must receive a passing grade in at least eight courses during the previous two semesters before enrolling in the course. The Superintendent or designee may waive this requirement if he or she believes a waiver to be in the student’s best interest. The course shall include: (a) instruction necessary for the safe operation of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, to the extent that they can be taught in the classroom (b) classroom instruction on distracted driving as a major traffic safety issue, (c) instruction on required safety and driving precautions that must be observed at emergency situations, highway construction and maintenance zones, and railroad crossings and their approaches, and (d) instruction concerning law enforcement procedures for traffic stops, including a demonstration of the proper actions to be taken during a traffic stop and appropriate interactions with law enforcement. Automobile safety instruction covering traffic regulations and highway safety must include instruction on the consequences of alcohol consumption and the operation of a motor vehicle. The eligibility requirements contained in State law for the receipt of a certificate of completion from the Secretary of State shall be provided to students in writing at the time of their registration.

3. In grades 7 through 12, as well as in interscholastic athletic programs, steroid abuse prevention must be taught.

4. In Kindergarten through grade 12, provided it can be funded by private grants or the federal government, violence prevention and conflict

resolution must be stressed, including: (a) causes of conflict, (b) consequences of violent behavior, (c) non-violent resolution, and (d) relationships between drugs, alcohol, and violence.

5. In grades Kindergarten through 12, age appropriate Internet safety must be taught, the scope of which shall be determined by the Superintendent or designee. The curriculum must incorporate Policy 6.235, Access to Electronic Networks and, at a minimum, include: (a) education about appropriate online behavior, (b) interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, (c) cyberbullying awareness and response.

6. In all grades, character education must be taught including respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, trustworthiness, and citizenship in order to raise students’ honesty, kindness, justice, discipline, respect for others, and moral courage. Instruction in all grades will include examples of behaviors that violate policy 7.180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment.

7. In all schools, citizenship values must be taught, including: (a) patriotism, (b) democratic principles of freedom, justice, and equality, (c) proper use and display of the American flag, (d) the Pledge of Allegiance, and (e) the voting process.

8. In all grades, physical education must be taught including a developmentally planned and sequential curriculum that fosters the development of movement skills, enhances health-related fitness, increases students’ knowledge, offers direct opportunities to learn how to work cooperatively in a group setting, and encourages healthy habits and attitudes for a healthy lifestyle. Unless otherwise exempted, all students are required to engage daily during the school day in a physical education course. For exemptions and substitutions, see policies 6.310, Credit for Alternative Courses and Programs, and Course Substitution, and 7.260, Exemption from Physical Activity.

9. In all schools, health education must be stressed, including: (a) proper nutrition, (b) physical fitness, (c) components necessary to develop a sound mind in a healthy body, and (d) dangers and avoidance of abduction, and (e) age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention education in all grades. The Superintendent shall implement a comprehensive health education program in accordance with State law.

10. In all schools, career/vocational education must be taught, including: (a) the importance of work, (b) the development of basic skills to enter the world of work and/or continue formal education, (c) good work habits and values, (d) the relationship between learning and work, and (e) if possible, a student work program that provides the student with work experience as an extension of the regular classroom. A career awareness and exploration program must be available at all grade levels.

11. In grades 9 through 12, consumer education must be taught, including: (a) financial literacy, including consumer debt and installment purchasing (including credit scoring, managing credit debt, and completing a loan application); budgeting, savings and investing; banking (including balancing a checkbook, opening a deposit account, and the use of interest rates); understanding simple contracts; State and federal income taxes; personal insurance policies; the comparison of prices; higher education student loans; identity-theft security; and homeownership (including the basic process of obtaining a mortgage and concepts of fixed and adjustable rate mortgages, subprime loans, and predatory lending); and (b) the roles of consumers interacting with agriculture, business, labor unions and government in formulating and achieving the goals of the mixed free enterprise system.

12. In all schools, conservation of natural resources must be taught, including: (a) home ecology, (b) endangered species, (c) threats to the environment, and (d) the importance of the environment to life as we know it.

13. In all schools, United States (U.S.) history must be taught, including: (a) the principles of representative government, (b) the Constitutions of the U.S. and Illinois, (c) the role of the U.S. in world affairs, (d) the role of labor unions, and (e) the role and contributions of ethnic groups, including but not limited to, the African Americans, Albanians, Asian Americans, Bohemians, Czechs, French, Germans, Hispanics (including the events related to the forceful removal and illegal deportation of Mexican-American U.S. citizens during the Great Depression), Hungarians, Irish, Italians, Lithuanians, Polish, Russians, Scots, and Slovakians in the history of this country and State, (f) a study of the roles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the history of the U.S. and Illinois, and (g) Illinois history.

In addition, all schools shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on Constitution Day, each September 17, commemorating the September 17, 1787 signing of the Constitution. However, when September 17 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, Constitution Day shall be held during the preceding or following week.

14. In grade 7 and all high school courses concerning U.S. history or a combination of U.S. history and American Government, students must view a Congressional Medal of Honor film made by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, provided there is no cost for the film.

15. In all schools, the curriculum includes instruction as determined by the Superintendent or designee on the Holocaust and crimes of genocide, including Nazi atrocities of 1933-1945, Armenian Genocide, the Famine-Genocide in Ukraine, and more recent atrocities in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, and Sudan.

16. In all schools, the curriculum includes instruction as determined by the Superintendent or designee on the history, struggles, and contributions of women.

17. In all schools, the curriculum includes instruction as determined by the Superintendent or designee on Black History, including the history of the African slave trade, slavery in America, and the vestiges of slavery in this country, as well as the struggles and contributions of African- Americans.

18. In all schools offering a secondary agricultural education program, the curriculum includes courses as required by 105 ILCS 5/2-3.80.

19. In all schools, instruction during courses as determined by the Superintendent or designee on disability history, awareness, and the disability rights movement.

20. In Kindergarten through grade 8, education must be available to students concerning effective methods of preventing and avoiding traffic injuries related to walking and bicycling.

LEGAL REF.: Pub. L. No. 108-447, Section 111 of Division J, Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005; Pub. L. No. 110-385, Title II, 122 stat. 4096 (2008), Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act; 47 C.F.R. §54.520; 5 ILCS 465/3 and 465/3a; 20 ILCS 2605/2605-480; 105 ILCS 5/2-3.80(e) and (f), 5/27-3, 5.27-3.5, 5/27-5, 5/27-6, 5/27-6.5, 5/27-7, 5/27- 12, 5/27-12.1, 5/27-13.1, 5/27-13.2, 5/27-20.3, 5/27-20.4, 5/27-20.5, 5/27-2.07, 5/27-21, 5/27-22, 5/27-23, 5/27-23.3, 5/27-23.4, 5/27-23.7, 5/27-23.8, 5/27-23.10, 5/27-23.11, 5/27-24.2, 435/0.01 et seq., and 110/3; 625 ILCS 5/6-408.5; 23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.420, 1.425,1.430, and 1.440.

CROSS REF.: 6.20, 6.40, 6.70, 6.235, 7.180, 7.185, 7.190, 7.260

Adopted: July 8, 1997 Revised: February 12, 2008 May 12, 2009 August 14, 2012 March 24, 2015 January 8, 2019 , 2021

APPENDIX G 7.340

STUDENT RECORDS

School student records are confidential. Information from them shall not be released other than as provided by law. A school student record is any writing or other recorded information concerning a student and by which a student may be identified individually that is maintained by a school or at its direction by a school employee, regardless of how or where the information is stored, except as provided in State or federal law as summarized below:

1. Records that are kept in a staff member’s sole possession. 2. Records maintained by law enforcement officials working in the school. 3. Video and other electronic recordings (including without limitation, electronic recordings made on school buses) that are created in part for law enforcement, security, or safety reasons or purposes. The content of these recordings may become part of a school student record to the extent school officials create, use, and maintain this content, or it becomes available to them by law enforcement officials, for disciplinary or special education purposes regarding a particular student. 4. Any information, either written or oral, received from law enforcement officials concerning a student less than the age of 17 years who has been arrested or taken into custody.

State and federal law grants students and parent(s)/guardian(s) certain rights, including the right to inspect, copy and challenge school records. The information contained in school student records shall be kept current, accurate, clear and relevant. All information maintained concerning a student receiving special education services shall be directly related to the provision of services to that child. The District may release directory information as permitted by law, but parent(s)/guardian(s) shall have the right to object to the release of information regarding their child. However, the District will comply with an ex parte court order requiring it to permit the U.S. Attorney General or designee to have access to a student’s school records without notice to, or the consent of, the students’ parent(s)/guardian(s). Upon request, the District discloses school student records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student has enrolled or intends to enroll, as well as to any person as specifically required by State or federal law.

The Superintendent shall fully implement this policy and designate an official records custodian for each school who shall maintain and protect the confidentiality of school student records, inform staff members of this policy, and inform students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of their rights regarding school student records.

Student Biometric Information Collection The Superintendent or designee may recommend a student biometric information collection system solely for the purposes of identification and fraud prevention. Such recommendation shall be consistent with budget requirements and in compliance with State law. Biometric information means any information that is collected through an identification process for individuals based on their unique behavioral or physiological characteristics, including fingerprint, hand geometry, voice, or facial recognition or iris or retinal scans.

Before collecting student biometric information, the District shall obtain written permission from the person having legal custody/parental responsibility [or permission from the student, if over the age of 18]. Upon a student’s 18th birthday, the District shall obtain written permission from the student to collect student biometric information. Failure to provide written consent to collect biometric information shall not be the basis for refusal of any services otherwise available to a student.

All collected biometric information shall be stored and transmitted in a manner that protects it from disclosure. Sale, lease, or other disclosure of biometric information to another person or entity is strictly prohibited.

The District will discontinue use of a student’s biometric information and destroy all collected biometric information within 30 days after: (1) the student graduates or withdraws from the School District, or (2) the District receives a written request to discontinue use of biometric information from the person having legal custody of the student or the student (if over the age of 18). Requests to discontinue using a student’s biometric information shall be forwarded to the Superintendent or designee.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures to implement this policy consistent with State and federal law. LEGAL REF.: Chicago Tribune Co. v. Chicago Bd. of Ed., 773 N.E.2d 674 (Ill.App. 1 Dist. 2002). Owasso I.S.D. No. I-011 v. Falvo, 122 S.Ct. 934 (2002). Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99. Children’s Privacy Protection and Parental Empowerment Act, 325 ILCS 17/1 et. seq. 105 ILCS 10/1 et seq. 50 ILCS 205/7; 750 ILCS 5/602.11; 23 Ill. Admin. Code §§ 226 and 375.

CROSS REF.: 5.100, 5.130, 7.15, 7.220 Adopted: October 28, 1997 Revised: March 22, 2005 October 8, 2013 March 22, 2016 2018 (citations only)

APPENDIX H 6.60 AP Exhibit

Exhibit - Notice to Parents/Guardians of Students Enrolled in Family Life and Sex Education Classes

Date

Class and Time

Teacher

Classes or Courses on Sex Education, Family Life Instruction, Instruction on Diseases, Recognizing and Avoiding Sexual Abuse, or Donor Programs for Organ/Tissue, Blood Donor, and Transplantation For your information, State law requires that all sex education instruction be developmentally and age appropriate, evidence-based, medically accurate, and complete. Courses that discuss sexual intercourse place substantial emphasis on both abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Courses will emphasize that abstinence is a responsible and positive decision and the only 100% effective prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Family life courses are designed to promote a wholesome and comprehensive understanding of the emotional, psychological, physiological, hygienic and social responsibility aspects of family life, and for grades 6 through 12, the prevention of AIDS. Request to Examine Instructional Material A sample of the District’s instructional materials and course outline for these classes or courses is available from the classroom teacher for your inspection. If you are requesting to examine this material, please complete the following statement and return it to your child’s classroom teacher within five days. I request to examine the instructional materials and course outline for this class. Class Attendance Waiver Request According to State law, no student is required to take or participate in these classes or courses. There is no penalty for refusing to take or participate in such a course or program. If you do not want your child to participate in these classes or courses, please complete the following class attendance waiver statement and return it to your child’s classroom teacher within five school days. I request that the District waive the class attendance of my child in a class or courses on: Comprehensive sex education, including in grades 6-12, instruction on both abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, and other areas of instruction required by 105 ILCS 5/27-9.1 Family life instruction, including in grades 6-12, instruction on the prevention, transmission, and spread of AIDS Instruction on diseases Recognizing and avoiding sexual abuse Instruction on donor programs for organ/tissue, blood donor, and transplantation

Student (please print)

Parent/Guardian (please print)

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

APPENDIX I 6.140

Education of Homeless Children

Each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, as provided to other children and youths, including a public pre-school education. A “homeless child” is defined as provided in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the Ill. Education for Homeless Children Act. The Superintendent shall act as or appoint a Liaison for Homeless Children to coordinate this policy’s implementation.

A homeless child may attend the District school that the child attended when permanently housed or in which the child was last enrolled. A homeless child living in any District school’s attendance area may attend that school.

The Superintendent or designee shall review and revise rules or procedures that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless children and youths. In reviewing and revising such procedures, consideration shall be given to issues concerning transportation, immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records and other documentation, and guardianship. Transportation shall be provided in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and State law. The Superintendent or designee shall give special attention to ensuring the enrollment and attendance of homeless children and youths who are not currently attending school. If a child is denied enrollment or transportation under this policy, the Liaison for Homeless Children shall immediately refer the child or his or her parent/guardian to the ombudsperson appointed by the Regional Superintendent and provide the child or his or her parent/guardian with a written explanation for the denial. Whenever a child and his or her parent/guardian who initially share the housing of another person due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar hardship continue to share the housing, the Liaison for Homeless Children shall, after the passage of 18 months and annually thereafter, conduct a review as to whether such hardship continues to exist in accordance with State law.

LEGAL REF McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq. 105 ILCS 45/1-1 et seq. CROSS REF.: 2.260, 4.110, 7.10, 7.30, 7.50, 7.60, 7.100 Adopted: March 8, 2005 Revised: August 14, 2012 Reviewed July 11, 2018

APPENDIX J 2.260

Uniform Grievance Procedure A student, parent/guardian, employee, or community member should notify any District Complaint Manager if he or she believes that the School Board, its employees or agents have violated his or her rights guaranteed by the State or federal Constitution, State or federal statute, or Board policy, or have a complaint regarding any of the following: 1. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act 2. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 4. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq. 5. Equal Employment Opportunities Act (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq. 6. Sexual harassment (Illinois Human Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972) 7. Breastfeeding accommodations for students, 105 ILCS 5/10-20.60 (P.A. 100-29, final citation Pending) 8. Bullying, 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7 9. Misuse of funds received for services to improve educational opportunities for educationally disadvantaged or deprived children 10. Curriculum, instructional materials, and/or programs 11. Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act, 820 ILCS 180 12. Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003, 820 ILCS 112 13. Provision of services to homeless students 14. Illinois Whistleblower Act, 740 ILCS 174/ 15. Misuse of genetic information (Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA), 410 ILCS 513/ and 47

Titles I and II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), 42 U.S.C. §2000ff et seq.) 16. Employee Credit Privacy Act, 820 ILCS 70/1 et al

The Complaint Manager will attempt to resolve complaints without resorting to this grievance procedure. If a formal complaint is filed under this policy, the Complaint Manager will address the complaint promptly and equitably. A student and/or parent/guardian filing a complaint under this policy may forego any informal suggestions and/or attempts to resolve it and may proceed directly to the grievance procedure. The Complaint Manager will not require a student or parent/guardian complaining of any form of harassment to attempt to resolve allegations directly with the accused (or the accused’s parents/guardians); this includes mediation. Right to Pursue Other Remedies Not Impaired The right of a person to prompt and equitable resolution of a complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies, e.g., criminal complaints, civil actions, etc. Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies and use of this grievance procedure does not extend any filing deadline related to the pursuit of other remedies. If a person is pursuing another remedy subject to a complaint under this policy, the District will continue with a simultaneous investigation under this policy. Deadlines All deadlines under this procedure may be extended by the Complaint Manager as he or she deems appropriate. As used in this policy, school business days means days on which the District’s main office is open. Filing a Complaint

A person (hereinafter Complainant) who wishes to avail himself or herself of this grievance procedure may do so by filing a complaint with any District Complaint Manager. The District’s Complaint Manager shall also serve as the Title IX Coordinator. The Complainant shall not be required to file a complaint with a particular Complaint Manager and may request a Complaint Manager of the same gender. The Complaint Manager may request the Complainant to provide a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint or require a meeting with a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). The Complaint Manager shall assist the Complainant as needed.

For bullying and cyber-bullying, the Complaint Manager shall process and review the complaint according to Board policy 7.180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, in addition to any response required by this policy.

Investigation The Complaint Manager will investigate the complaint or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation on his or her behalf. The Complaint Manager shall ensure both parties have an equal opportunity to present evidence during an investigation. If the Complainant is a student under 18 years of age, the Complaint Manager will notify his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) that they may attend any investigatory meetings in which their child is involved. The Complaint and identity of the Complainant will not be disclosed except (1) as required by law, this policy, or (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or (3) as authorized by the Complainant. The identity of any student witnesses will not be disclosed except: (1) as required by law or any collective bargaining agreement, (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or (3) as authorized by the parent/guardian of the student witness, or by the student if the student is 18 years of age or older. The Complaint Manager will inform, at regular intervals, the person(s) filing a complaint under this policy about the status of the investigation. Within 30 school business days of the date the complaint was filed, the Complaint Manager shall file a written report of his or her findings with the Superintendent. The Complaint Manager may request an extension of time. If a complaint of sexual harassment contains allegations involving the Superintendent, the written report shall be filed with the Board, which will make a decision in accordance with the following section of this policy. The Superintendent will keep the Board informed of all complaints. If a complaint contains allegations involving the Superintendent or Board member(s), the written report shall be filed directly with the Board, which will make a decision in accordance with paragraph four of the following section of this policy. Decision and Appeal

Within five school business days after receiving the Complaint Manager’s report, the Superintendent shall mail his or her written decision to the Complainant by U.S. mail, first class, as well as to the Complaint Manager. All decisions shall be based upon the preponderance of evidence standard.

Within 10 school business days after receiving the Superintendent’s decision, the Complainant or the accused may appeal the decision to the Board by making a written request to the Complaint Manager. The Complaint Manager shall promptly forward all materials relative to the complaint and appeal to the Board.

Within 30 school business days, the Board shall affirm, reverse, or amend the Superintendent’s decision or direct the Superintendent to gather additional information. Within five school business days of the Board’s decision, the Superintendent shall inform the Complainant of the Board’s action.

For complaints containing allegations involving the Superintendent or Board member(s), within 30 school business days after receiving the Complaint Manager’s or outside investigator’s report, the Board shall mail its written decision to the Complainant and the accused by first class U.S. 48 mail as well as to the Complaint Manager.

This policy grievance procedure shall not be construed to create an independent right to a hearing before the Superintendent or Board. The failure to strictly follow the timelines in this grievance procedure shall not prejudice any party. Title IX/Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers The Superintendent shall appoint a Title IX/Nondiscrimination Coordinator to manage the District’s efforts to provide equal opportunity employment and educational opportunities and prohibit the harassment of employees, students, and others. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator also serves as the District’s Title IX Coordinator. The District’s designated Nondiscrimination Coordinator is Matthew Zediker, Chief Human Resources Officer, who maintains an office at 501 7th Street, Rockford, IL 61104 and who can be reached via telephone at 815-489-0542 or email at [email protected]. The District’s Complaint Managers are Ehren Jarrett, Superintendent, who maintains an office at 501 7th Street, Rockford, IL 61104 and who may be reached via telephone at 815-966-3102 or email at [email protected] and Matthew Zediker, Chief Human Resources Officer who can be reached by telephone at 815-966-3221 or email at [email protected].

LEGAL REF.: Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. §621 et seq. Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq. Equal Employment Opportunities Act (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act), 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq. Equal Pay Act, 29 U.S.C. §206(d). Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, 42 U.S.C. §2000ff et seq. Immigration Reform and Control Act, 8 U.S.C. §1324a et seq. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §791 et seq. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq. Title IX of the Education Amendments, 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq. 105 ILCS 5/2-3.8, 5/3-10, 5/10-20.7a, 5/10-20.60 (P.A. 100-29, final citation pending), 5/10-22.5, 5/22-19, 5/24-4, 5/27-1, 5/27-23.7, and 45/1-15. Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act, 410 ILCS 513/1 et seq. Illinois Whistleblower Act, 740 ILCS 174/1 et seq. Illinois Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq. Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act, 820 ILCS 180, 56 Ill.Admin.Code Part 280. Equal Pay Act of 2003, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq. Employee Credit Privacy Act, 820 ILCS 70/1 et seq. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.240 and 200-40.

CROSS REF: 5.10, 5.20, 6.120, 6.140, 6.170, 6.260, 7.10, 7.20, 7.180, 8.70, 8.110

Adopted: June 11, 2002

Revised: October 28, 2003 December 14, 2004 September 23, 2008 February 23, 2010 July 10, 2012 August 28, 2018 February 11, 2020

APPENDIX K 4.170

Safety and Security All District operations, including the education program, shall be conducted in a manner that will promote the safety of everyone on District property or at a District event. The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement and maintain a comprehensive safety and security plan that includes, without limitations: 1. An emergency operations plan(s) addressing prevention, preparation, response, and recovery for each school; 2. Provisions for a coordinated effort with local law enforcement and fire officials, emergency medical services personnel, and the Board Attorney; 3. A school safety drill plan; 4. Instruction in safe bus riding practices; and 5. A clear, rapid, factual, and coordinated system of internal and external communication. 49

In the event of an emergency that threatens the safety of any person or property, students and staff are encouraged to follow the best practices discussed for their building regarding the use of any available cellular telephones.

School Safety Drill Plan

During each academic year, each school building that houses school children shall conduct, at a minimum, each of the following in accordance with the School Safety Drill Act, 105 ILCS 128/1 et. seq.: 1. Three school evacuation drills to address and prepare students and school personnel. One of these three drills shall require the participation of the local fire department or district. 2. One bus evacuation drill, 3. One severe weather and shelter-in-place drill to address and prepare students and school personnel for possible tornado incidents, and 4. One law enforcement drill to address a school shooting incident and to evaluate the preparedness of school personnel and students. This drill shall occur no later than 90 days after the first day of school of each year, and shall require the participation of all school personnel and students present at school at the time of the drill, except for those exempted by administrators or school support personnel. Annual Review

The Superintendent or designee will annually review each school building’s emergency operations and crisis response plan(s), protocols, and procedures, as well as each building’s compliance with the school safety drill plan. This annual review shall be in accordance with the School Safety Drill Act (105 ILCS 128/) and the Joint Rules of the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE). 29 Ill.Admin.Code Part 1500.Automated External Defibrillator (AED) The Superintendent or designee shall implement a written plan for responding to medical emergencies at the District’s physical fitness facilities in accordance with the Fitness Facility Medical Emergency Preparedness Act and shall file a copy of the plan with the Ill. Dept. of Public Health (IDPH). The plan shall provide for at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) to be available at every physical fitness facility on the premises according to State law requirements.

The District shall have an AED on site as well as a trained AED user: (1) on staff during staffed business hours; and (2) available during activities or events sponsored and conducted or supervised by the District. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that every AED on the District’s premises is properly tested and maintained in accordance with rules developed by the IDPH. This policy does not create an obligation to use an AED. Carbon Monoxide Alarms

The Superintendent or designee shall implement a plan with the District’s local fire officials to:

1. Determine which school buildings to equip with approved carbon monoxide alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, 2. Locate the required carbon monoxide alarms or carbon monoxide detectors within 20 feet of a carbon monoxide emitting device, and 3. Incorporate carbon monoxide alarm or detector activation procedures into each school building that requires a carbon monoxide alarm or detector. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure each school building annually reviews these procedures.

Soccer Goal Safety

The Superintendent or designee shall implement the Movable Soccer Goal Safety Act in accordance with the guidance published by the IDPH. Implementation of the Act shall be directed toward improving the safety of moveable soccer goals by requiring that they be properly anchored.

Unsafe School Choice Option

The unsafe school choice option allows students to transfer to another District school or to a public charter school within the District. The unsafe school choice option is available to:

1. All students attending a persistently dangerous school, as defined by State law and identified by the ISBE. 2. Any student who is a victim of a violent criminal offense, as defined by 725 ILCS 120/3,that occurred on school grounds during regular school hours or during a school-sponsored event.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures to implement the unsafe school choice option. Lead Testing in Water

The Superintendent or designee shall implement testing for lead in each source of drinking water in school buildings in accordance with the Ill. 50

Plumbing License Law and guidance published by the IDPH. The Superintendent or designee shall notify parent(s)/guardian(s) about the sampling results from their children’s respective school buildings.

Emergency Closing The Superintendent is authorized to close the schools in the event of hazardous weather or other emergencies that threaten the safety of students, staff members, or school property.

LEGAL REF.: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.2, 5/10-20.57, 5/18-12.5, and 128/1 et. seq. 210 ILCS 74/1 et. seq. 225 ILCS 320/35.5.

CROSS REF.: 4.110, 4.175, 5.30, 8.30, 6.250, , , 8.30, 8.100

Adopted: March 11, 1997

Revised: June 28, 2005 August 12, 2008 March 23, 2010 August 14, 2012 October 28, 2014 March 22, 2016 November 12, 2019

APPENDIX L 8.95 – EXH

Dear Parents/Guardians: The School Visitation Rights Act permits employed parents/guardians, who are unable to meet with educators because of a work conflict, the right to time off from work to attend necessary educational or behavioral conferences at their child’s school. Please review the following copy of this Act to determine if you are entitled to a school visitation leave. Sincerely, Superintendent ******************************************************************************** SCHOOL VISITATION RIGHTS ACT 820 ILCS 147/, amended by P.A. 101-486, eff. 8-1-20 147/1. Short title This Act may be cited as the School Visitation Rights Act. 147/5. Policy The General Assembly of the State of Illinois finds that the basis of a strong economy is an educational system reliant upon parental involvement. The intent of this Act is to permit employed parents and guardians who are unable to meet with educators because of a work conflict the right to an allotment of time during the school year to attend necessary educational or behavioral conferences at the school their children attend. 147/10. Definitions As used in this Act: (a) “Employee” means a person who performs services for hire for an employer for: (1) at least 6 consecutive months immediately preceding a request for leave under this Act; and (2) an average number of hours per week equal to at least one-half the full-time equivalent position in the employer’s job classification, as defined by the employer’s personnel policies or practices or in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement, during those 6 months. “Employee” includes all individuals meeting the above criteria but does not include an independent contractor. (b) “Employer” means any of the following: a State agency, officer, or department, a unit of local government, a school district, an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, or a nonprofit organization. (c) “Child” means a biological, adopted or foster child, a stepchild or a legal ward of an employee and who is enrolled in a primary or secondary public or private school in this State or a state which shares a common boundary with Illinois. (d) “School” means any public or private primary or secondary school or educational facility located in this State or a state which shares a common boundary with Illinois. (e) “School administrator” means the principal or similar administrator who is responsible for the operations of the school. 147/15. School conference and activity leave (a) An employer must grant an employee leave of up to a total of 8 hours during any school year, and no more than 4 hours of which may be taken on any given day, to attend school conferences, behavioral meetings, or academic meetings related to the employee’s child if the conference or meeting cannot be scheduled during non-work hours; however, no leave may be taken by an employee of an employer that is subject to this Act unless the employee has exhausted all accrued vacation leave, personal leave, compensatory leave and any other leave 51

that may be granted to the employee except sick leave and disability leave. Before arranging attendance at the conference or activity, the employee shall provide the employer with a written request for leave at least 7 days in advance of the time the employee is required to utilize the visitation right. In emergency situations, no more than 24 hours’ notice shall be required. The employee must consult with the employer to schedule the leave so as not to disrupt unduly the operations of the employer. (2) Nothing in this Act requires that the leave be paid. (c) For regularly scheduled, non-emergency visitations, schools shall make time available for visitation during regular school hours and evening hours. 147/20. Compensation An employee who utilizes or seeks to utilize the rights afforded by this Act may choose the opportunity to make up the time so taken as guaranteed by this Act on a different day or shift as directed by the employer. An employee who exercises his rights under this Act shall not be required to make up the time taken, but if such employee does not make up the time taken, such employee shall not be compensated for the time taken. An employee who does make up the time taken shall be paid at the same rate as paid for normal working time. Employers shall make a good faith effort to permit an employee to make up the time taken for the purposes of this Act. If no reasonable opportunity exists for the employee to make up the time taken, the employee shall not be paid for the time. A reasonable opportunity to make up the time taken does not include the scheduling of make-up time in a manner that would require the payment of wages on an overtime basis. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, if unpaid leave under this Act conflicts with the unreduced compensation requirement for exempt employees under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, an employer may require an employee to make up the leave hours within the same pay period. 147/25. Notification The State Superintendent of Education shall notify each public and private primary and secondary school of this Act. Each public and private school shall notify parents or guardians of the school’s students of their school visitation rights. The Department of Labor shall notify employers of this Act. 147/30. Verification Upon completion of school visitation rights by a parent or guardian, the school administrator shall provide the parent or guardian documentation of the school visitation. The parent or guardian shall submit such verification to the employer. The State Superintendent and the Director of the Department of Labor shall suggest a standard form of documentation of school visitation to schools for use as required by this Section. The standard form of documentation shall include, but not be limited to, the exact time and date the visitation occurred and ended. Failure of a parent or guardian to submit the verification statement from the school to his or her employer within 2 working days of the school visitation subjects the employee to the standard disciplinary procedures imposed by the employer for unexcused absences from work. 147/35. Employee rights A. No employee shall lose any employee benefits, except as provided for in Section 20 of this Act, for exercising his or her rights under this Act. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect an employer’s obligation to comply with any collective bargaining agreement or employee benefit plan. Nothing in this Act shall prevent an employer from providing school visitation rights in excess of the requirements of this Act. The rights afforded by this Act shall not be diminished by any collective bargaining act or by any employee benefit plan. B. An employer may not terminate an employee for an absence from work if the absence is due solely to the employee’s attendance at a school conference, behavioral meeting, or academic meeting, as provided in Section 15. 147/40. Applicability This Act applies solely to public and private employers that employ at least 50 or more individuals in Illinois, and to their employees. 147/45. Violation Any employer who violates this Act is guilty of a petty offense and may be fined not more than $100 for each offense. 147/49. Limits on leave No employer that is subject to this Act is required to grant school visitation leave to an employee if granting the leave would result in more than 5% of the employer’s work force or 5% of an employer’s work force shift taking school conference or activity leave at the same time.

APPENDIX M 6.50

School Wellness

Student wellness, including good nutrition and physical activity, shall be promoted in the District’s educational program, school activities, and meal programs. This policy shall be interpreted consistently with Section 204 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 and the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA). The Superintendent will ensure: 1. Each school building complies with this policy; 2. The policy is available to the community on an annual basis through copies of or online access to the Board Policy Manual; and 3. The community is informed about the progress of this policy’s implementation. Goals for Nutrition Education and Nutrition Promotion The goals for addressing nutrition education and nutrition promotion include the following: • Schools will support and promote good nutrition for students. • Schools will foster the positive relationship between good nutrition, physical activity, and the capacity of students to develop and learn. • Nutrition education will be part of the District’s comprehensive health education curriculum. See Board policy 6.60, Curriculum Content. 52

Goals for Physical Activity The goals for addressing physical activity include the following: • Schools will support and promote an active lifestyle for students. • Physical education will be taught in all grades and shall include a developmentally planned and sequential curriculum that fosters the development of movement skills, enhances health-related fitness, increases students’ knowledge, offers direct opportunities to learn how to work cooperatively in a group setting, and encourages healthy habits and attitudes for a healthy lifestyle. See Board Policy 6.60, Curriculum Content and Board Policy 7.260 Exemption from Physical Activity . • During the school day, all students will be required to engage daily during the school day in a daily physical education course, unless otherwise exempted. See Board Policy 6:60, Curriculum Content and Board Policy 7.260 Exemption from Physical Education. • The curriculum will be consistent with and incorporate relevant Illinois Learning Standards for Physical Development and Health as established by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

Nutrition Guidelines for Foods Available in Schools During the School Day; Marketing Prohibited Students will be offered and schools will promote nutritious food and beverage choices during the school day that are consistent with Board Policy 4.120, Food Services (requiring compliance with the nutrition standards specified in the U.S. Department of agriculture’s (USDA) Smart Snacks rules) In addition, in order to promote student health and reduce childhood obesity, the Superintendent or designee shall: 1.Restrict the sale of competitive foods, as described by the USDA, in the food service areas during meal periods; 2.Comply with all ISBE rules; and 3. Prohibit marketing during the school day of foods and beverages that do not meet the standards listed in Board policy 4:120, Food Services, i.e., in-school marketing of food and beverage items must meet competitive foods standards . Competitive foods standards do not apply to foods and beverages available, but not sold in school during the school day; e.g., brown bag lunches, foods for classroom parties, school celebrations, and reward incentives

Exempted Fundraising Day (EFD) Requests All food and beverages sold to students on the school campuses of participating schools during the school day must comply with the “general nutrition standards for competitive foods” specified in federal law.

ISBE rules prohibit EFDs for grades 8 and below in participating schools. The Superintendent or designee in a participating school may grant an EFD for grades 9 through 12 in participating schools. To request an EFD and learn more about the District’s related procedure(s), contact the Superintendent or designee. The District’s procedures are subject to change. The number of EFDs for grades 9 through 12 in participating schools is set by ISBE rule

Guidelines for Reimbursable School Meals Reimbursable school meals served shall meet, at a minimum, the nutrition requirements and regulations for the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program.

Monitoring At least every three years, the Superintendent or designee shall provide implementation data and/or reports to the Board concerning this policy’s implementation sufficient to allow the Board to monitor and adjust the policy (a triennial report). This triennial report must include without limitation each of the following: • An assessment of the District’s implementation of the policy • The extent to which schools in the District are in compliance with the policy • The extent to which the policy compares to model local school wellness policies • A description of the progress made in attaining the goals of the policy • How the District will make the results of the assessment available to the public • Where the District will retain records of the assessment The Board will monitor and adjust the Policy pursuant to Policy 2.240, Board Policy Development.

Community Input The Board and Superintendent or designee will invite suggestions and comments concerning the development, implementation, and improvement of the school wellness policy from parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board, school administrators, and the community. Community involvement methods shall align their suggestions and comments to policy 2.140, Communications To and From the Board and/or the Community Engagement subhead in policy 8.10, Connection with the Community.

Recordkeeping

The Superintendent or designee shall retain records to document compliance with this Policy, the District’s records retention protocols, and the Local Records Act.

LEGAL REF.: Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, PL 108-265, Sec. 204. Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. §1771 et seq. National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. §1758. Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, 42 U.S.C. §1758b, Pub.L.--296. 42 U.S.C. §1779, as implemented by 7 C.F.R. §210.11 and 210.31 Local Records Act 50 ILCS 205 et. seq. 105 ILCS 5/2-3.137. 23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 305, Food Program. ISBE’s “School Wellness Policy” Goal, adopted Oct. 2007.

CROSS REF.: 2.140, 2.150, 2.240, 4.120, 5.100, 6.60, 7.260, 8.10

Adopted: May 9, 2006

Revised: August 14, 2012 January 8, 2019

APPENDIX N 7.15

Student and Family Privacy Rights

Surveys All surveys requesting personal information from students, as well as any other instrument used to collect personal information from students, must advance or relate to the District’s educational objectives as identified in Board policy 6:10, Educational Philosophy and Objectives, or assist students’ career choices. This applies to all surveys, regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified and regardless of who created the survey.

Surveys Created by a Third Party Before a school official or staff member administers or distributes a survey or evaluation created by a third party to a student, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may inspect the survey or evaluation, upon their request and within a reasonable time of their request.

This section applies to every survey: (1) that is created by a person or entity other than a District official, staff member, or student, (2) regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified, and (3) regardless of the subject matter of the questions.

Survey Requesting Personal Information School officials and staff members shall not request, nor disclose, the identity of any student who completes any survey or evaluation (created by any person or entity, including the District) containing one or more of the following items: 1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent/guardian.

2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family.

3. Behavior or attitudes about sex.

4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.

5. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships.

6. Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.

7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.

8. Income other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program). 54

The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may: 1. Inspect the survey or evaluation upon, and within a reasonable time of, their request, and/or

2. Refuse to allow their child or ward to participate in the activity described above. The school shall not penalize any student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) exercised this option.

Instructional Material A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may inspect, upon their request, any instructional material used as part of their child/ward’s educational curriculum within a reasonable time of their request.

The term “instructional material” means instructional content that is provided to a student, regardless of its format, printed or representational materials, audio-visual materials, and materials in electronic or digital formats (such as materials accessible through the Internet). The term does not include academic tests or academic assessments.

Physical Exams or Screenings No school official or staff member shall subject a student to a non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as a condition of school attendance. The term “invasive physical examination” means any medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts, or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision, or scoliosis screening.

The above paragraph does not apply to any physical examination or screening that: 1. Is permitted or required by an applicable State law, including physical examinations or screenings that are permitted without parental notification. 2. Is administered to a student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.).

3. Is otherwise authorized by Board policy.

Selling or Marketing Students’ Personal Information is Prohibited

No school official or staff member shall market or sell personal information concerning students (or otherwise provide that information to others for that purpose). The term “personal information” means individually identifiable information including: (1) a student or parent's first and last name, (2) a home or other physical address (including street name and the name of the city or town), (3) a telephone number, (4) a Social Security identification number or (5) driver’s license number or State identification card.

The above paragraph does not apply: (1) if the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) have consented; or (2) to the collection, disclosure or, use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions, such as the following:

1. College or other postsecondary education recruitment, or military recruitment. 2. Book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products. 3. Curriculum and instructional materials used by elementary schools and secondary schools.

4. Tests and assessments to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic, clinical, aptitude, or achievement information about students (or to generate other statistically useful data for the purpose of securing such tests and assessments) and the subsequent analysis and public release of the aggregate data from such tests and assessments.

5. The sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education-related activities.

6. Student recognition programs. Under no circumstances may a school official or staff member provide a student’s “personal information” to a business organization or financial institution that issues credit or debit cards.

Notification of Rights and Procedures The Superintendent or designee shall notify students’ parents/guardians of: 1. This policy as well as its availability upon request from the general administration office.

2. How to opt their child or ward out of participation in activities as provided in this policy. 55

3. The approximate dates during the school year when a survey requesting personal information, as described above, is scheduled or expected to be scheduled.

4. How to request access to any survey or other material described in this policy. This notification shall be given parents/guardians at least annually, at the beginning of the school year, and within a reasonable period after any substantive change in this policy. The rights provided to parents/guardians in this policy transfer to the student when the student turns 18 years old, or is an emancipated minor.

LEGAL REF.: Protection of Pupil Rights, 20 U.S.C. §1232h. Children’s Privacy Protection and Parental Empowerment Act, 325 ILCS 17/1 et seq.; ILCS 5/10-20.38. CROSS REF.: 2:260, 6:210, 6:260, 7:130, 7.240, 7.300 Adopted: February 8, 2005

Revised: May 21, 2008 (correcting statutory citations only)

Reviewed: July 11, 2018

APPENDIX O 7.20

Harassment of Students Prohibited

Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment Prohibited

No person, including a District employee or agent, or student, shall harass, intimidate, or bully a student on the basis of actual or perceived: race; color; national origin; military status; unfavorable discharge status from military service; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender-related identity or expression; ancestry; religion; physical or mental disability; order of protection status; status of being homeless; actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy; association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics; or any other distinguishing characteristic. The District will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying whether verbal, physical, or visual, that affects the tangible benefits of education, that unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Examples of prohibited conduct include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, stalking, sexual violence, sexting, causing psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, threatened or actual destruction of property or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above. Sexual Harassment Prohibited Sexual harassment of students is prohibited. Any person, including a district employee or agent, or student engages in sexual harassment whenever he or she makes sexual advances, requests sexual favors, and/or engages in other verbal or physical conduct, including sexual violence, of a sexual or sex-based nature, imposed on the basis of sex, that: 1. Denies or limits the provision of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or that makes such conduct a condition of a student’s academic status; or

2. Has the purpose or effect of: a. Substantially interfering with a student’s educational environment; b. Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; c. Depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or d. Making submission to or rejection of such conduct the basis for academic decisions affecting a student.

The terms “intimidating,” “hostile,” and “offensive” include conduct that has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment, or discomfort. Examples of sexual harassment include touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, and spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities. The term “sexual violence” includes a number of different acts. Examples of sexual violence include, but are not limited to, rape, sexual assault, sexual batter, sexual abuse, and sexual coercion. Making a Complaint; Enforcement Students are encouraged to report claims or incidences of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other prohibited conduct to the Title IX/Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, or a Uniform Grievance Complaint Manager (Board Policy 2.260), or any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. A student may choose to report to a school administrator of the student’s same sex. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible given the need to investigate. Students who make good faith complaints will not be disciplined. 56

An allegation that a student was a victim of any prohibited conduct perpetrated by another student shall be referred to the Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal or Dean of Students for appropriate action. The District’s designated Title IX/Nondiscrimination Coordinator is Matthew Zediker, Chief Human Resources Officer, who maintains an office at 501 7th Street, Rockford IL 61104, and who can be reached via telephone at 815-489-0542 or email at zedikem@rps205com. The Superintendent shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students of this policy, such as by including it in the appropriate handbooks.

Any District employee who is determined, after investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Any District student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with the Student Code of Conduct. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge, with regard to employees, or suspension and expulsion, with regard to students. LEGAL REF.: Title IX of the Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. 34 C.F.R. Part 106. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.12, 10-22.35, 5/27-1, and 5/27- 23.7 775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq., Illinois Human Rights Act 23 Ill. Admin. Code §1.240 and § 200.10 et seq. Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education, 119 S.Ct. 1661(1999). Franklin v. Gwinnett Co. Public Schools, 112 S.Ct. 1028 (1992). Gebser v. Lago Vista Independent School District, 118 S.Ct. 1989 (1998). West v. Derby Unified School District No. 260, 206 F.3d 1358 (10th Cir. 2000). CROSS REF.: 2.260, 5.20, 7.10, 7.180, 7.185, 7.190, 7.240 Adopted: October 28, 1997 Revised: May 23, 2000 December 14, 2004 February 12, 2008 August 14, 2012 March 24, 2015 January 8, 2019

APPENDIX P 2.265

Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure Sexual harassment affects a student’s ability to learn and an employee’s ability to work. Providing an educational and workplace environment free from sexual harassment is an important District goal. The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its education programs or activities, and it complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106) concerning everyone in the District’s education programs and activities, including applicants for employment, students, parents/guardians, employees, and third parties. Title IX Sexual Harassment Prohibited Sexual harassment as defined in Title IX (Title IX Sexual Harassment) is prohibited. Any person, including a District employee or agent, or student, engages in Title IX Sexual Harassment whenever that person engages in conduct on the basis of an individual’s sex that satisfies one or more of the following: 1. A District employee conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct; or 2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s educational program or activity; or 3. Sexual assault as defined in 20 U.S.C. §1092(f)(6)(A)(v), dating violence as defined in 34 U.S.C. §12291(a)(10), domestic violence as defined in 34 U.S.C. §12291(a)(8), or stalking as defined in 34 U.S.C. §12291(a)(30). Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities, rape, sexual battery, sexual abuse, and sexual coercion. Definitions from 34 C.F.R. §106.30 Complainant means an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment. Education program or activity includes locations, events, or circumstances where the District has substantial control over both the Respondent and the context in which alleged sexual harassment occurs. Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint means a document filed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual harassment against a Respondent and requesting that the District investigate the allegation. Respondent means an individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of the conduct that could constitute sexual harassment. 57

Supportive measures mean non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the Complainant or the Respondent before or after the filing of a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint or where no Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint has been filed. Title IX Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response The Superintendent or designee will ensure that the District prevents and responds to allegations of Title IX Sexual Harassment as follows: 1. Ensures that the District’s comprehensive health education program in Board policy 6.60, Curriculum Content, incorporates (a) age- appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention programs in grades pre-K through 12, and (b) age-appropriate education about the warning signs, recognition, dangers, and prevention of teen dating violence in grades 7-12. This includes incorporating student social and emotional development into the District’s educational program as required by State law and in alignment with Board policy 6.65, Student Social and Emotional Development. 2. Incorporates education and training for school staff as recommended by the Superintendent, Title IX Coordinator, Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, or a Complaint Manager. 3. Notifies applicants for employment, students, parents/guardians, employees, and collective bargaining units of this policy and contact information for the Title IX Coordinator by, at a minimum, prominently displaying them on the District’s website, if any, and in each handbook made available to such persons. Making a Report A person who wishes to make a report under this Title IX Sexual Harassment grievance procedure may make a report to the Title IX Coordinator, Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the person is comfortable speaking. A person who wishes to make a report may choose to report to a person of the same gender. School employees shall respond to incidents of sexual harassment by promptly making or forwarding the report to the Title IX Coordinator. An employee who fails to promptly make or forward a report may be disciplined, up to and including discharge. The District’s designated Title IX Coordinator is Matthew Zediker, Chief Human Resources Officer, who maintains an office at 501 7th Street, Rockford, IL 61104 and who can be reached via telephone at 815-489-0542 or email at [email protected]. Processing and Reviewing a Report or Complaint Upon receipt of a report, the Title IX Coordinator and/or designee will promptly contact the Complainant to: (1) discuss the availability of supportive measures, (2) consider the Complainant’s wishes with respect to supportive measures, (3) inform the Complainant of the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint, and (4) explain to the Complainant the process for filing a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint. Further, the Title IX Coordinator will analyze the report to identify and determine whether there is another or an additional appropriate method(s) for processing and reviewing it. For any report received, the Title IX Coordinator shall review Board policies 2.260, Uniform Grievance Procedure; 5.20, Workplace Harassment Prohibited; 5.90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting; 5.120, Employee Ethics; Conduct; and Conflict of Interest; 7.20, Harassment of Students Prohibited; 7.180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment; 7.185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited; and 7.190, Student Discipline or, to determine if the allegations in the report require further action. Reports of alleged sexual harassment will be confidential to the greatest extent practicable, subject to the District’s duty to investigate and maintain an educational program or activity that is productive, respectful, and free of sexual harassment. Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Grievance Process When a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint is filed, the Title IX Coordinator will investigate it or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation. The Superintendent or designee shall implement procedures to ensure that all Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaints are processed and reviewed according to a Title IX grievance process that fully complies with 34 C.F.R. §106.45. The District’s grievance process shall, at a minimum: 1. Treat Complainants and Respondents equitably by providing remedies to a Complainant where the Respondent is determined to be responsible for sexual harassment, and by following a grievance process that complies with 34 C.F.R. §106.45 before the imposition of any disciplinary sanctions or other actions against a Respondent. 2. Require an objective evaluation of all relevant evidence – including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence – and provide that credibility determinations may not be based on a person’s status as a Complainant, Respondent, or witness. 3. Require that any individual designated by the District as a Title IX Coordinator, investigator, decision-maker, or any person designated by the District to facilitate an informal resolution process: a. Not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual Complainant or Respondent. b. Receive training on the definition of sexual harassment, the scope of the District’s education program or activity, how to conduct an investigation and grievance process (including hearings, appeals, and informal resolution processes, as applicable), and how to serve impartially. 4. Require that any individual designated by the District as an investigator receiving training on issues of relevance to create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence. 5. Require that any individual designated by the District as a decision-maker receive training on issues of relevance of questions and evidence, including when questions and evidence about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant. 6. Include a presumption that the Respondent is not responsible for the alleged conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the grievance process. 58

7. Include reasonably prompt timeframes for conclusion of the grievance process. 8. Describe the range of possible disciplinary sanctions and remedies the District may implement following any determination of responsibility. 9. Base all decisions upon the preponderance of evidence standard. 10. Include the procedures and permissible bases for the Complainant and Respondent to appeal. 11. Describe the range of supportive measures available to Complainants and Respondents. 12. Not require, allow, rely upon, or otherwise use questions or evidence that constitute, or seek disclosure of, information protected under a legally recognized privilege, unless the person holding such privilege has waived the privilege. Enforcement Any District employee who is determined, at the conclusion of the grievance process, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Any third party who is determined, at the conclusion of the grievance process, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent, invitee, etc. Any District student who is determined, at the conclusion of the grievance process, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with student behavior policies. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding sexual harassment will likewise be subject to disciplinary action. This policy does not increase or diminish the ability of the District or the parties to exercise any other rights under existing law. Retaliation Prohibited The District prohibits any form of retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, has made a report or complaint, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in a proceeding under this policy. Any person should report claims of retaliation using Board policy 2.260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. Any person who retaliates against others for reporting or complaining of violations of this policy or for participating in any manner under this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge, with regard to employees, or suspension and expulsion, with regard to students. LEGAL REF.: 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; 34 C.F.R. Part 106. Davis v. Monroe County Bd. of Educ., 526 U.S. 629 (1999). Gebser v. Lago Vista Independent Sch. Dist., 524 U.S. 274 (1998). CROSS REF.: 2.260, 5.10, 5.20, 5.90, 5.100, 5.120, 6.60, 6.65, 7.10, 7.20, 7.180, 7.185, 7.190

APPENDIX Q 4.110

Transportation The District shall provide free transportation for any student in the District who resides: (1) at a distance of one and one-half miles or more from his or her assigned school unless the Board has certified to the Illinois State Board of Education that adequate public transportation is available, or (2) within one and one-half miles from his or her assigned schools where walking to school or from school or to or from a pick-up point or bus stop would constitute a serious hazard due to vehicular traffic or rail crossing, and adequate public transportation is not available. A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may file a petition with the Board requesting transportation due to the existence of a serious safety hazard. Non-public school students shall be transported in accordance with State law. Homeless students and students with disabilities shall be transported in accordance with federal and State law. Foster care students shall be transported in accordance with Section 6312 (c)(5)(B) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Only students attending Rockford Public Schools, School District employees or classroom volunteers with the permission of the Superintendent or designee, may ride the school bus (provided, that students with disabilities shall be transported to schools outside the District when specified in an individualized educational program, and students attending non-public schools being transported pursuant to state law). No students with animals shall be allowed on a school bus except with permission of the Superintendent or designee; however, if an animal is transported it shall be confined at all times when on the school bus. The Student discipline code shall apply to all students riding a District school bus, District owned vehicle, or District contracted vehicle.

A student who is required, for disciplinary reasons, to serve a detention period either before or after a regular school day shall be provided transportation unless the parent/guardian of the student has agreed to provide transportation. Bus schedules and routes shall be determined by the Superintendent or designee and shall be altered only with the Superintendent or designee’s approval and direction. In setting the routes, the pick-up and discharge points should be as safe for students as possible. No school employee may transport students in school or private vehicles unless authorized by the administration, except as provided below. Every vehicle regularly used for the transportation of students must pass safety inspections in accordance with State law and Illinois Department of Transportation regulations. The strobe light on a school bus may be illuminated only when the bus is actually being used as a school bus and (1) is stopping or stopped for loading or discharging students on a highway outside an urban area, or (2) is bearing one or more students. The superintendent shall implement procedures in accordance with State law for accepting comment calls about school bus driving.

All contracts for charter bus services must contain the clause prescribed by State law regarding criminal background checks for bus drivers. 59

Students with Disabilities Transportation Free transportation services and vehicle adaptation for special education students shall be provided if included in the students’ individualized educational programs.

Educational Tours, Field Trips and Outdoor Education Classes School funds shall not be expended for transportation costs associated with an educational tour. Transportation may be provided for students attending school sponsored field trips and outdoor education classes and a reasonable charge may be assessed for such transportation in an amount not to exceed the cost of providing such transportation including a reasonable allowance for depreciation. The Superintendent or designee may authorize the use of school buses for transportation for school sponsored field trips and outdoor education classes if approved pursuant to Board policy, and determine whether a charge will be made therefore.

Extra Curricular Activities and Athletics Transportation may be provided for students participating in school sponsored extra-curricular activities and athletic activities and a reasonable charge may be assessed for such transportation not exceeding the cost thereof, including a reasonable allowance for depreciation. Custodial parent/guardians may transport their own child to and from an event. They must sign their child out with the coach prior to leaving. Where the district does not provide transportation, students and their parent/guardian are required to provide their own transportation. Emergencies Staff transportation of students in district vehicles or private vehicles is prohibited absent prior authorization from the administration. Notwithstanding, the Board recognizes that from time to time situations may arise in which students attending school sponsored activities and events do not have transportation home following the event. In the event that students are left without transportation home after a school sponsored activity or event which is conducted at a location other than a District facility, and in other non-life threatening circumstances, certificated employees of the District may transport students home provided that they possess minimum automobile injury and liability insurance coverage of $100,000.00/$300,000.00. Where an employee transports students under this section the employee shall, not later than the day following the event, make a written report to the building principal of the school sponsoring the event including the name and address of the student transported and the time of departure and arrival at the student’s home, and the mileage.

Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Vehicle Inspection

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement a pre-trip and post-trip inspection procedure to ensure that the school bus driver: (1) tests the two-way radio and ensures that it is functioning properly before the bus is operated, and (2) walks to the rear of the bus before leaving the bus at the end of each route, work shift, or work day, to check the bus for children or other passengers in the bus.

LEGAL REF.: Elementary and Secondary Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §6312 (c)(5)(B). McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq. 105 ILCS 5/10-22.22 and 5/29 et seq., 105 ILCS 45/1-15 625 ILCS 5/1-148.3a-5, 5/1-182, 5/11-1414.1, 5/12-813, 5/12-813.1, 5/12- 815, 5/12-816, 5/12-821 and 5/13-109. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.510 and 226.750; part 120 92 Ill.Admin.Code §440-3.

CROSS REF.: 4170, 5.100, 5.120, 5.280, 6.140, 7.220 Adopted: March 11, 1997

Revised: June 10, 2008 September 23, 2008 March 23, 2010 August 14, 2012 September 25, 2018

APPENDIX R 6.235

Administrative Procedure - Acceptable Use of the District’s Electronic Networks All use of the District’s electronic networks shall be consistent with the District’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. These procedures do not attempt to state all required or prohibited behavior by users. However, some specific examples are provided. The failure of any user to follow these procedures will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or legal action. 60

Terms and Conditions Acceptable Use - Access to the District’s electronic networks must be: (a) for the purpose of education or research, and be consistent with the District’s educational objectives, or (b) for legitimate business use. Privileges - Use of the District’s electronic networks is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The system administrator or Building Principal will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated these procedures and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time. His or her decision is final. Unacceptable Use - The user is responsible for his or her actions and activities involving the networks. Some examples of unacceptable uses are: a. Using the networks for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any State or federal law; b. Unauthorized downloading of software, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or de -virused; c. Downloading of copyrighted material for other than personal use; d. Using the networks for private financial or commercial gain; e. Wastefully using resources, such as file space; f. Hacking or gaining unauthorized access to files, resources, or entities; g. Invading the privacy of individuals, that include s the unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, and use of information about anyone that is of a personal nature including a photograph; h. Using another user’s account or password; i. Posting material authored or created by another without his/her consent; j. Posting anonymous messages; k. Using the networks for commercial or private advertising; l. Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, or displaying any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material; and m. Using the networks while access privileges are suspended or revoked. 1. Network Etiquette - The user is expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Be polite. Do not become abusive in messages to others. b. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. c. Do not reveal personal information, including the addresses or telephone numbers, of students or colleagues. d. Recognize that email is not private. People who operate the system have access to all email. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities. e. Do not use the networks in any way that would disrupt its use by othe r users. f. Consider all communications and information accessible via the networks to be private property. No Warranties - The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages the user suffers. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or the user’s errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. Indemnification - The user agrees to indemnify the School District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of, any violati on of these procedures. Security - Network security is a high priority. If the user can identify a security problem on the Network, the user must notify the system administrator or Building Principal. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Keep your account and password confidential. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to log-on to the Network as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied a ccess to the networks. Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Telephone Charges - The District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, long-distance charges, per-minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs. Copyright Web Publishing Rules - Copyright law and District policy prohibit the re-publishing of text or graphics found on the web or on District websites or file servers without explicit written permission. a. For each re-publication (on a website or file server) of a graphic or a text file that was produced externally, there must be a notice at the bottom of the page crediting the original producer and noting how and when permission was granted. If possible, the notice should also include t he web address of the original source. b. Students and staff engaged in producing web pages must provide library media specialists with email or hard copy permissions before the web pages are published. Printed evidence of the status of “public domain” docume nts must be provided. 61

Dear Parent/Guardian

Thank you for taking the time to review the Student Handbook for the 2020-21 school year. This document provides comprehensive information relative to District 205 schools. However, each school may also have specific procedures for individual building expectations. Please review with your child(ren) any areas that would be pertinent to their daily school schedule.

Should you have any questions regarding information contained within this document, please contact your school office.

Please cut along dotted line and return the bottom portion to the school. ─ ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ──── ──

Student’s Name______

Parent/Guardian Name______

Relationship to Student______

Phone Number______

Signature of Parent/Guardian______

Date______

 Please return this page to your child’s school after reading and signing.

 Please update the office if there are any changes to the above information.

Rockford Public Schools #205 | 2021-2022 Academic Calendar

31 Teacher Institute August 2021 FEBRUARY 2022 4 Teacher Institute

1S M2 3T W4 Th5 6F 7S M 1T W2 Th3 4F 5S 21 Presidents Day 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 No School 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 29 30 31 27 28

1 Teacher Institute SEPTEMBER 2021 MARCH 2022 11 End of Trimester (Elementary) S M T W1 Th2 3F 4S S M 1T W2 Th3 4F 5S 2 First Day of School 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 21-25 Spring Break 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 6 Labor Day 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 31

11 Columbus Day – October 2021 APRIL 2022 8 End of Quarter No School (Secondary) S M T W Th 1F 2S S M T W Th 1F 2S

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 15 Parent Teacher 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Conferences – No 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 School 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31 29 Teacher Institute

30 Memorial Day 6 End of Quarter-Middle NOVEMBER 2021 MAY 2022

Schools S M1 2T W3 Th4 5F 6S 1S M2 3T W4 Th5 6F 7S

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 11 Veterans Day - No 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 School 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 29 30 31

24 Parent Teacher Conferences – No School

25-26 Fall Break

3 End of Trimester – DECEMBER 2021 JUNE 2022 09 Last Day of School Elementary Schools M T W1 Th2 3F 4S S M T W1 Th2 3F 4S 10-16 *Emergency Days 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 20-31 Winter Break 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 HS Semesters

1st 86 2nd 88 Total 174

17 M.L. King Day – No JANUARY 2022 Elem School MS Quarters S M T W Th F 1S 1st 44 Trimesters 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 28 End of Quarter – Middle 2nd 44 1st 59 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Schools 3rd 43 2nd 57 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 4th 43 3rd 58 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 End of Semester – High Total 174 Total 174 30 31 Schools